Enhancing the Professional Growth of Apprentices and Management in the Industrial Sector - Enhancing Employee Growth in the Workplace: Empowering Trainees and Supervisors through Social Work Principles
In the city of Karlsruhe, a century-old practice known as industrial social work is gaining renewed importance, particularly in the face of the challenges posed by the modern world. This approach, which was initially prompted by women entering the workforce and having children, is now being embraced by companies to provide essential support to their employees, especially young talent.
Martin Klein, the first chairman of the Federal Association of Industrial Social Work, emphasises the growing importance of individual support, particularly for apprentices, in companies. He notes that young people are entering a more challenging world than before, with crises everywhere and new ones emerging.
Klein, who also serves as the head of industrial social work at the Karlsruhe energy company EnBW, explains that work and school are places where problems may become apparent. For instance, a colleague with a gambling addiction might be discovered after an extended absence. Confidential conversations within industrial social work help address these issues effectively.
EnBW has been at the forefront of this movement, offering socio-pedagogical support for young talent since this year. This support, designed to assist trainees and dual students in meeting the challenges of the modern working world, is a testament to the company's commitment to its employees' well-being.
The pay for social workers in companies is often better than with other employers, making this support an attractive proposition for companies. Klein also mentions that even the boss can benefit from industrial social work, as it fosters a supportive and productive work environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the importance of social support in companies, according to Klein. However, it was not specifically mentioned as having underscored the importance of industrial social work in this context. Nevertheless, the pandemic has highlighted the need for companies to adapt and provide such support to their employees.
Some large companies have reacted to this change by implementing industrial social work programs. The term "social" associated with industrial social work is not immediately associated with psychological strains or similar issues, making access easier. Moreover, industrial social work serves as a neutral instance, neither being the employer nor the works council.
In conclusion, industrial social work, which has been in existence for over a century, is proving to be a valuable tool for companies in supporting their employees, particularly in the challenging times we live in. EnBW's initiative in Karlsruhe is a shining example of this approach, demonstrating the company's commitment to its employees' well-being and success.
