Werner & Mertz CEO: Corporate Democracy Balances Interests, Not Whims
Reinhard Schneider, Managing Director of cleaning product manufacturer Werner & Mertz, discusses the implementation of co-determination and workplace democracy at the 'Work and Democracy' conference. Schneider argues that true corporate democracy involves strengthening employee responsibility and creating transparent, long-term participation structures rather than allowing short-term whims to dictate policy. He emphasizes a 'win-win-win' approach benefiting customers, employees, and society, grounded in trust and scientific alignment rather than mere public relations. The company utilizes strategic frameworks focused on sustainability, such as the circular economy and climate protection, which foster strong employee loyalty, evidenced by an average tenure of 13 years compared to the industry average of four. A key instrument is their suggestion system, where employees receive 20 percent of the savings or benefits generated by their implemented ideas. Schneider highlights the works council not as a bureaucratic brake, but as a vital sparring partner for balancing interests and ensuring sustainable decision-making. Ultimately, he contends that while prioritizing credibility and sustainability may seem costly short-term, it builds scarce market trust and delivers long-term competitive advantages.
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Werner & Mertz CEO: Corporate Democracy Balances Interests, Not Whims
Reinhard Schneider, Managing Director of cleaning product manufacturer Werner & Mertz, discusses the implementation of co-determination and workplace democracy at the 'Work and Democracy' conference. Schneider argues that true corporate democracy involves strengthening employee responsibility and creating transparent, long-term participation structures rather than allowing short-term whims to dictate policy. He emphasizes a 'win-win-win' approach benefiting customers, employees, and society, grounded in trust and scientific alignment rather than mere public relations. The company utilizes strategic frameworks focused on sustainability, such as the circular economy and climate protection, which foster strong employee loyalty, evidenced by an average tenure of 13 years compared to the industry average of four. A key instrument is their suggestion system, where employees receive 20 percent of the savings or benefits generated by their implemented ideas. Schneider highlights the works council not as a bureaucratic brake, but as a vital sparring partner for balancing interests and ensuring sustainable decision-making. Ultimately, he contends that while prioritizing credibility and sustainability may seem costly short-term, it builds scarce market trust and delivers long-term competitive advantages.
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