Transformation happens in companies

How can the transformation be mastered? After LABOR.A, Christina Schildmann and Lisa Basten discuss three positive examples that show how transformation can succeed, what obstacles need to be overcome and where new paths can be taken in the world of work management.

[20.11.2024]

Decarbonisation, digitization and demographic change – these three main challenges are shaping the social-ecological transformation of the economy and work: Although some feel doubt and uncertainty, hope and hope for positive development as well. The LABOR.A 2024 conference was a mood barometer and showed that much has already been achieved despite the challenges. Three projects show how the decision and collaboration of the building blocks is crucial for the future.

This concern is growing as to whether it will work, and that’s why we said: At LABOR.A we don’t just look at emotion, but really at reality – where it happens really.

Recreate on the fly
As a small and medium-sized company (SME), Brehm Präzisionstechnik faces significant challenges in the automotive supplier industry. The company, which specializes in precision parts for combustion engines, has to reinvent itself. But instead of giving up, a unique collaboration between unions, works councils, science and management created new perspectives: a “learning journey” that developed a vision for the future and started hard changes.

The strength of decision-making structures, co-located structures, is shown in a project like this, in co-designing the future. And the other thing is a bit of a shrug of the shoulders: who else is going to do it? What is our alternative? You can’t just say: OK, then we’ll keep driving around with combustion engines or you’ll destroy the planet and everything will be fine – that’s not an option. I thought that was very good from my colleagues in the session, who simply said: “Yes, let’s move on – where else?”

Work in the engine room
Lusatia stands for change like no other region. Partially phasing out coal and establishing new industries, such as the ultra-modern Deutsche Bahn factory in Cottbus, are creating visions. But without skilled workers and cooperation from all stakeholders – from unions to companies to politicians – success will decline. This shows how transformative projects can strengthen regional economies and at the same time promote social cohesion.

Security planning is essential, and you must not abandon the transformation path now – even if there are stages where things get bumpy. But if you lose track, if the works don’t materialize and the area goes back to despair, you have a real problem. That’s why the message to politicians is: Don’t give in, don’t stop, continue on this path – otherwise the whole project will collapse.

From leisure to work
In the digital world too, new job profiles are emerging that break down old boundaries. These activities, often built out of hobbies, require a high level of professionalism and rely heavily on algorithms and platforms. The challenges range from overwork to a lack of social security. Occupations without traditional employers or collective agreements – what counts as work and how do we protect new professional bodies from overburdening?

You will find out exactly how decision plays a part in this during the program.

Enhancement: Marco Herack

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In Related to the system Leading scientists from the Hans Böckler Foundation, together with moderator Marco Herack, examine what drives politics and the economy: macroeconomic relations, ecological and social challenges and the conditions for a fair working world and co-located – which is easy to understand and always in touch with the pulse of political debates.

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