Munich 11-Oct-2021
Holger Schötz, Executive Vice President Human Resources, is thrilled with the new hybrid working models. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)
As with many companies, 2020 and 2021 were unique at Rohde & Schwarz, where few employees could be found in their offices. In just under three weeks, 6,000 computers were connected from remote workstations. Collaboration became virtual.
"Personal contact and interactions make us strong as a company. This will not change. We will find a balance that both reinforces a sense of community and strengthens the autonomy of our employees. Personal interactions will remain important to us," explains Holger Schötz, Executive Vice President Human Resources. "We will strengthen the trusting relationships we have with each other and work together to advance innovative and creative projects for the sustained success of our business."
The "mobile work" employer/works council agreement is a first step in striking a new balance between the two. It allows employees to work remotely for up to 60% of the time. The agreement has been in effect since September 2021. After consulting with their managers, employees can flexibly choose between working on site or remotely.
"Working with motivated, independent and responsible colleagues is one of our top priorities. Over the past year and a half, we have seen how a culture of trust permeates our company, even as thousands of employees work from home. So, we are taking the next step and enabling a New Normal and are thrilled with the new hybrid working models," explains Schötz.
For these models to succeed, a strategic corporate project was also launched within the company: the "New Work" initiative will strengthen the inspiring and trust-based work environment and culture at the company. The agreement covers various aspects, such as agile methods, team diversity and remote leadership – all tailored to Rohde & Schwarz. The results will be successively implemented in the company.
"For a while now, we have been thinking about how to create room for personal development as a company. Our engineers can confirm that they have a lot of creative freedom when developing new products. This is really important to us. The new employer/works council agreement gives our employees greater individual flexibility," continues Schötz. "As a modern employer, we are constantly examining our tried-and-true approaches and adapting them as the environment changes. We want to strengthen those aspects crucial to our success, which include the need to strike a balance between personal interaction and individual freedom."
The works agreement was part of a joint works council and management initiative. Under the new agreement for the headquarters in Munich and many other German locations, Rohde & Schwarz will allow employees to work off-site – without specifying a particular location. Employees are allowed to work remotely between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and on Saturdays if they wish. No more than 10 working hours a day are permitted.
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Louise ChristensenEmployer Branding and Communication Manager
(+49 89) 4129-16170
career@rohde-schwarz.com
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Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2023, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,800 employees worldwide.
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