What do you think are the biggest challenges employees face today? And how does the works council support them?
Ursula: The biggest challenge, in my view, is the constantly changing working environment. Digitalization, new tasks, new expectations — many of these changes happen very quickly and can be unsettling. Some people ask themselves: “Can I do this? Will my job still exist tomorrow?”
Because our council is made up of colleagues from many different areas, we notice a lot. I often ask people directly how they’re doing or how heavy their workload is. As a council, we look for solutions together, address issues with managers and point out when something isn’t running well. There’s no one perfect approach — every case is different.
What motivated you to become part of the works council? What drives you in this role?
Ursula: Fairness and justice are really important to me. Many people don’t dare to speak up or advocate for themselves — and that’s where I want to help. I’m motivated by identifying issues, standing up for colleagues, and actively improving things.
What tasks do you take on as a works council member at EnBW?
Ursula: I’m a full member of the council, participate in various working groups, and represent colleagues’ concerns. I support a wide range of topics, and the knowledge I gain from the works council often helps me in my “regular” job as well.
How did you come to EnBW?
Ursula: I first applied for an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk at EnBW — in the end, I was hired as an office assistant, which became my entry into the company.
What position do you hold today, and what has your career path within EnBW looked like?
Ursula: Today I work as a Personnel Advisor. Along the way, I completed two two-year evening-school programs — one as an industrial specialist and one as a HR specialist — and I also earned the trainer certification (AdA-Schein). From starting as a stenographer to my current role, I’ve grown step by step.
What does a typical workday look like for you? What are your main responsibilities?
Ursula: A major part of my work revolves around onboarding new colleagues. I create and manage the welcome packages for professionals, leaders, and student employees, analyze monthly entry data, and handle follow-up tasks. I also organize our Welcome Day for leadership — from concept to execution to continuous improvement based on feedback. A key project is “Leadership Onboarding,” which I also conceptualize, coordinate, and further develop. I structure project meetings, moderate them, and contribute actively. Additionally, I work on improving the onboarding section in the intranet to make it clearer and more helpful, and I prepare the process for future integration into Workday.
Together with Tim Bahnmaier, I also manage the Study Energy Program, develop new modules and events, and shape the overall concept.
What specific measures or projects exist to support employees at EnBW while balancing company and employee needs?
Ursula: EnBW provides a lot: occupational health services, great canteens, many offers via Emma, salary conversion options, ergonomic furniture, IT equipment, BestWork, a gym in Karlsruhe, childcare spots in EnBW-City, and trust-based working hours. All of this supports us and shows that the needs of employees are taken seriously.
Which topics are currently most important for the works council?
Ursula: Many teams are dealing with high workloads, partly due to EnABLE HR. The increase in weekly working hours from 36 to 38 hours also occupies many colleagues — we’re looking at what this means in practice and what solutions exist.
There’s also a stronger focus on staffing, budgets, and replacement needs. The topic of partial retirement is circulating as well, since potential changes are coming. And, of course, digitalization remains a major future topic. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming works council and supervisory board elections are underway.
How do you collaborate with different departments and leaders to address employee needs?
Ursula: For many HR-related topics, leaders reach out directly to the chair of our works council, who brings these issues into our meetings. Depending on the topic, we also invite leaders to present details and answer questions. That keeps the exchange open and transparent.
How do you see the future role of the works council? What new demands and opportunities do you expect?
Ursula: I’m certain the works council will remain essential. At the same time, we notice it’s becoming harder to engage younger colleagues — partly because many things that once required hard work from councils are now taken for granted.
The demands will change, and new skills will be required. But change also brings opportunity. EnBW is well positioned for the future, but we need to keep working together and evolving.
How does your role in the works council influence your work in the Activation Team? Are there synergies?
Ursula: I consciously separate both roles, and that works well. Still, the works council knowledge often helps — for example, knowing which working groups exist or who needs to be involved early. My experience in payroll also supports me. And on the other side, I can explain topics from my work area in the council when they’re relevant.
Is there a moment or project you’re particularly proud of?
Ursula: I’m especially proud of my work on the BestWork corporate project, where I was part of the project team and supported as a BestWork Coach. The “Leadership Onboarding” project is also close to my heart — we developed a concept with the business partners, and the pilot will start at the end of January. I grew a lot through both projects, even when things weren’t always smooth.
What advice do you have for employees who want to learn more about their rights or available support from the works council?
Ursula: Many don’t know which works council is responsible for them — the intranet under “Personal > Employees > My Works Council” can tell you quickly.
I also recommend attending works council meetings, since you hear a lot about ongoing issues and developments there. And for personal questions, reaching out directly to your works council member is always worthwhile — in a confidential conversation, you can ask anything.
To wrap up: Looking back at your time as a works council member, is there a moment or project you’re personally especially proud of?
Ursula: Yes — I’m especially proud of the moments when colleagues come to me with very personal or confidential matters and ask for my advice or opinion. That trust means a lot to me.