"The diversity of perspectives and the openness of all participants also gave me many valuable ideas that I am happy to incorporate into our everyday business. Such formats are of great importance—not only for exchange, but also for the further development of an employee-oriented corporate culture in Saxony-Anhalt," explains Kirstin Knufmann, Managing Director of Knufmann GmbH.
For seven years, the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus (Focus on Skilled Workers) has been supporting companies in Saxony-Anhalt with the Wertenetz© employee survey and the state seal "Das mitarbeiterorientierte Unternehmen – Hier fühle ich mich wohl" (The employee-oriented company – I feel at home here). Over 150 companies have received the seal during this time and serve as beacons for good working conditions in our state.
To promote exchange between these companies, learn from each other, and multiply good ideas, the second meeting of the holders of the state seal (SiegelClub) took place on November 25, 2025. In the Skylounge of HASOMED GmbH in Magdeburg, the meeting provided a space for discussions on current topics in the world of work.
For example, AI is perceived by companies as an indispensable support. It saves time, reduces costs, and has become an integral part of the modern working world. At the same time, there is a high demand for training in order to use the technology safely and effectively. Studies show that 67% of employees already use AI, but only 36% feel sufficiently prepared. Data protection and the credibility of AI-generated content remain key challenges.
At their meeting, the entrepreneurs also discussed attractive measures for their employees. These range from appreciation and team days to job bikes and fuel cards to subsidies for daycare, gyms, and yoga. Flexible working time models and psychosocial counseling are also important components. According to current analyses, mental health, hybrid offerings, and personalized solutions are the top trends in occupational health management in 2025.
The participants of the SiegelClub agreed that changes in employee expectations are also noticeable: part-time work is gaining in importance, management positions are losing their appeal, and demands for higher salaries and more leisure time are increasing. The part-time employment rate in Germany is now almost 40%—a record high, according to the news magazine Bürger & Geld. Companies must adapt to flexible models and new working time concepts.
The results of the second meeting of the state seal holders made it clear that employee orientation remains the key to future viability. Companies that focus on trust, participation, and appreciation not only gain skilled workers, but also innovative strength. Show that it is worthwhile to work in your company by displaying your Saxony-Anhalt state seal "The employee-oriented company – I feel at home here."
