Setting a new standard in flexible working in Germany

In a global company like kp, working across multiple timezones, and in a world where attitudes towards traditional working patterns have changed, the ability to accommodate flexible working has never been more important.

Traditional employment law in Germany, upheld on behalf of employees by Works Councils, has not always been aligned with the idea of flexible hours, but at Klöckner Pentaplast’s (kp) Montabaur site in Germany, agreement has been reached between our local Works Council, HR and leadership, making the flexible working dream a reality.

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As well as being a first among kp’s 30 international locations, this agreement puts kp at the forefront of best practice for German companies, reinforcing kp’s position as a leading employer in the regions where we operate.

Thanks to the agreement, employees in Montabaur will now be permitted to flex their contracted hours, to work at a time that suits the requirements of their role, the collaboration they need to have with colleagues overseas and in different time zones, and of course, also to suit their personal circumstances. The agreement seeks to complement and bring some flexibility to German employment legislation, whilst still fully respecting and working to the letter and the spirit of the law.

As well as being a first among kp’s 30 international locations, this agreement puts kp at the forefront of best practice for German companies, reinforcing kp’s position as a leading employer in the regions where we operate.

This agreement clearly demonstrates kp’s global focus and the importance of facilitating international collaboration for our teams. It also validates the value we place on our employees and their wellbeing, and the trust we put in our people.

Manuela Köhler

VP HR, Pharma, Health & Protection and Durables division

This agreement clearly demonstrates kp’s global focus and the importance of facilitating international collaboration for our teams. It also validates the value we place on our employees and their wellbeing, and the trust we put in our people - all of which are key factors in our ability to attract and retain a talented workforce.

Key to the success of the arrangement will be discussion, cooperation and compromise amongst teams, but we have no doubt in the ability of our people to embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly, along with the benefits that it will bring to the business and also to our people as individuals.

We are proud to be a pioneer in formalising flexible working in this way in Germany and to be paving the way for others to follow suit in a model which is likely to be with us to stay.