How do companies manage change in a digitalized and demographically changing world of work when the diversity of the workforce is increasing at the same time? This question is the focus of the project "Diversity meets Transformation (ViTra) - The role of vocational education and training in the digital and demographic transformation". The increasing pressure of digitalization in the steel industry and demographic change, which is leading to a growing importance of diversity within the workforce, has a major impact on the company and its employees. This is associated with uncertainties and a change in identification with the job, activity and company. The project takes up the previously neglected perspective of trainees and employees and addresses their attitudes and interests.
"We are looking forward to the scientific support from Osnabrück University in order to jointly develop sustainable solutions that take into account both the digital transformation and the growing diversity in companies," says junior professor and project manager Dr. Dana Bergmann, Institute of Education at Osnabrück University.
"The special thing about "ViTra" is the co-constructive research approach," emphasizes project manager Dr. Katharina Wehking, also from the Institute of Education. "Everyone involved - from company management and the works council to trainees and employees - is actively involved in the research process right from the start," continues Wehking.
The Works Council, a key co-determination actor at Georgsmarienhütte GmbH, plays a central role in this context. It not only ensures the co-determination and interests of trainees and employees, but also intervenes in the encounter of potential conflicts in the context of digital transformation. The project is funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation. The foundation has set itself the goal of shaping transformation processes in a sustainable and democratic way.
Further information for the media:
Prof. Dr. Dana Bergmann, Osnabrück University
Institute of Education
dana.bergmann@uni-osnabrueck.de
Dr. Katharina Wehking, Osnabrück University
Institute of Education
katharina.wehking@uni-osnabrueck.de
