“The diversity of perspectives and the openness of all participants have also given me many valuable insights that I am eager to incorporate into our daily business operations. Such initiatives are of great importance—not only for fostering dialogue, but also for further developing 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” has been supporting companies in Saxony-Anhalt through the Wertenetz© employee survey and the state seal “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 among these companies, learn from one another, and spread good ideas, the second meeting of the state seal holders (Seal Club) took place on November 25, 2025. Held 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, companies view AI as an indispensable tool. It saves time, reduces costs, and has become an integral part of the modern workplace. At the same time, there is a significant need for training to use the technology safely and effectively. Studies show that 67% of employees already use AI, yet only 36% feel sufficiently prepared. Data protection and the credibility of AI-generated content remain key challenges.
Furthermore, during their meeting, the entrepreneurs discussed attractive benefits for their employees. These range from recognition and team-building days to company-provided bicycles and gas cards, as well as subsidies for daycare, gym memberships, and yoga. Flexible work schedules and psychosocial counseling are also key components. According to recent analyses, mental health, hybrid work arrangements, and personalized solutions are the top trends in workplace health management for 2025.
Changes in employee expectations are also noticeable, and the SiegelClub participants agreed on this: part-time work is gaining importance, leadership positions are losing their appeal, and demands for higher pay and more free time are rising. The part-time employment rate in Germany now stands at nearly 40%—a record high, as reported by the news magazine Bürger & Geld. Companies must adapt to flexible models and new work-time concepts.
The results of the second meeting of the State Seal’s sponsors made it clear: employee-centricity remains the key to future viability. Companies that prioritize trust, participation, and appreciation not only attract skilled workers but also gain innovative strength. Show that it’s worth working at your company; display your Saxony-Anhalt State Seal: “The Employee-Centric Company – I Feel at Home Here.”
