A sustainable employer – AKOTEC participates in the INQA audit

The solar collector manufacturer AKOTEC is participating in the “Future-Oriented Corporate Culture” audit supported by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). Management and employees are jointly developing measures for a modern work culture. The Angermünde-based company is thus preparing for the regional skills shortage and aims to create more satisfaction within the workforce through increased participation.

The statement “We’ve always done it this way” does not apply to the solar collector manufacturer. Instead, the company asks: “How will we do it in the future?” and is the first company in Angermünde to apply for a certificate that attests to a “Future-Oriented Corporate Culture.” As part of the BMAS-funded “Initiative for New Quality of Work” (INQA) audit, AKOTEC undergoes various measures in the areas of leadership, health, equal opportunities, and knowledge and competence.

AKOTEC has experienced strong growth in recent years and is considered one of the region’s leading employers. This year alone, the manufacturer of vacuum tube collectors hired ten new employees. To maintain this successful trajectory in the future, enhancing employee satisfaction is at the top of the audit’s action plan.

“We want our employees to enjoy their work environment and identify with their tasks. A satisfied workforce is the most valuable asset and the most important factor for future viability. The audit is a great opportunity for the team and management to work together to optimize satisfaction,” says AKOTEC CEO Reinhold Weiser about the company’s participation in the audit.

The audit process at AKOTEC began with a written survey of employees and management. This helped identify initial challenges and areas for improvement regarding working conditions and corporate culture. In a project group established afterward, with equal representation from employees and management, the company developed a comprehensive development plan.

Concretely, measures were agreed upon. At the top of the agenda: the introduction of a satisfaction management system with regular employee surveys. Another important measure is the creation of a knowledge transfer system, aimed at promoting technical exchange between experienced employees and young professionals. And since only healthy employees are happy employees, a project group is working on actions to promote workplace health. In total, AKOTEC has developed eight measures to be implemented by March 2022. At the end of the audit, which is facilitated by external process consultant Sabine Lipski, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

By participating in the audit, AKOTEC secures a place in the fight for highly sought-after skilled workers. Particularly in rural areas, the impact of the skills shortage is strongly felt by companies. Therefore, it is even more important for the company to be visible and attractive to potential applicants in the region through forward-looking measures.