Alexianer START GmbH participates in nationwide workplace exchange

Employees of Alexianer START GmbH in Cologne-Porz and the AlexOffice in Cologne-Ossendorf participated in the nationwide “Schichtwechsel” (Shift Change) action day. During this event, individuals with and without disabilities swapped workplaces to foster mutual understanding and break down social barriers.

Participants engaged in job shadowing with various partners, including the Cologne-West Customs Office, the Cologne Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit Köln), Pixum, Café Ludwig in the museum, and the Traffic Commission 5 in Frechen. Matthias Hopster, Managing Director of Alexianer START GmbH, noted that these personal encounters allow for a genuine change in perspective and challenge common misconceptions regarding people with disabilities.

The Cologne Employment Agency participated for the first time, with its rehabilitation teams working to facilitate professional inclusion. Bernd Walgenbach, Head of Rehabilitation at the agency, highlighted the value of experiencing the working reality of workshops for people with disabilities firsthand to better support the transition to the general labor market.