Shaping the working world with creativity and innovation

Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour, Hans-Joachim Fuchtel, and spokesman of the Initiative für Beschäftigung! [initiative for employment] (IfB!), Ulrich Weber, member of management for human resources at Deutsche Bahn, announced the winners of the fourth “Beschäftigung gestalten – Unternehmen zeigen Verantwortung” [create employment – companies show responsibility] competition. The five winning companies won the jury over with their creative and innovative solutions. IFOK was again responsible for organising the competition and providing expertise.

The winning companies were able to increase their competitiveness and at the same time, create good and secure jobs. “These companies have shown that they are creative and flexible and are shaping the working world. They don’t just see work as a cost factor, they focus on the individual and try new approaches,” says Parliamentary Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour, Hans-Joachim Fuchtel. Bochum-Gelsenkirchener Straßenbahnen AG, for example, trains long-term unemployed people to become customer service staff. As a result, the company is increasing customer satisfaction while at the same time creating jobs. B. Braun Melsungen AG also focuses on jobs. Together with its employees, the company has drawn up a contract to preserve the location. This secures jobs and establishes the Melsungen location as the base for global competition. Bernd Münstermann GmbH & Co. KG helps young people make the transition from school to working life with a systematic approach. Around 85 businesses from the Telgte region have now adopted this approach. Randstad Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG is also looking to schools: Through its secondary school sponsorship programme “Du bist ein Talent – fit für den Arbeitsmarkt” [you’re a talent – fit for the job market], participating pupils receive intensive support and job prospects. Gerhard Rösch GmbH ensures its employees have a family-oriented working environment and training opportunities. As a result, Rösch is holding on to its experts and at the same time, securing the company’s future. The Initiative für Beschäftigung! (IfB!) and the Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs have jointly held the “Beschäftigung gestalten – Unternehmen zeigen Verantwortung” [create employment – companies show responsibility] competition since 2003. It aims to create a constructive partnership between business and politics. At the same time, the competition provides companies with a platform for showcasing their commitment and setting an example to others. In each competition, the jury is made up of renowned figures from business, science, the media, politics, and trade unions.

Prize-winners:

B. Braun Melsungen AG
Bernd Münstermann GmbH & Co. KG
Bochum-Gelsenkirchener Straßenbahnen AG
Gerhard Rösch GmbH
Randstad Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG

Nominees:FEP Fahrzeugtechnik Pirna GmbHFraport AGGeorgsmarienhütte GmbHIBM DeutschlandInnoDämm GmbHIwan Budnikowsky GmbH & Co. KGLandessparkasse zu OldenburgNice-Pak Deutschland GmbHResopal GmbHsubreport Verlag Schawe GmbHJury: