Cooperation with the works council
Works council and management
Many managers struggle with their works council. While some experienced managers value their collaboration with the works council, many others view it skeptically, accusing it of obstruction and incompetence. Studies show that such an attitude often stems from a lack of legal knowledge and sometimes also from a lack of social skills. Works councils in German companies have genuine co-determination rights in only a few areas. These include, for example, preventing performance and behavioral monitoring during the introduction of new technologies and in company-sponsored training. However, some of these co-determination rights are enforceable, meaning that the works council can, if necessary, obtain an injunction if the employer refuses to negotiate on matters subject to co-determination. This often leads to a cycle of wins and losses in conciliation boards, which can be costly for the company and drastically reduce employee motivation and commitment. Conversely, companies that cultivate a trusting relationship with their works council can look back on a successful track record of cooperation and trust-building among their workforce.
Our specific consulting topics
Executive coaching: We advise and coach executives who are currently in negotiations with their works council. We encourage reflection on their own stance and provide them with negotiation and communication skills.
Moderation of negotiations with the works council: We moderate company agreement negotiations and conciliation boards and find a solution, even if the negotiations are deadlocked.
Compact seminar "Cooperation with the works council": This seminar provides a compact introduction to skills for dealing with the works council.