Germany Schichtwechsel workplace inclusion initiative

The nationwide ‘Schichtwechsel’ (Shift Change) initiative in Germany facilitates workplace exchanges between employees with disabilities and those in the general labor market. Coordinated by the Federal Association of Workshops for People with Disabilities (BAG WfbM), the program aims to promote equal participation and provide new perspectives for employers and employees.

During action days, participants engaged in various professional environments. In Braunschweig, individuals from Lebenshilfe Braunschweig explored customs operations, including X-ray inspections and dog demonstrations. In Speyer, a social councilor exchanged duties with a workshop employee to demonstrate the skills of people with disabilities.

In Landstuhl, Kaiserslautern District Commissioner Peter Schmidt worked at the Westpfalz-Werkstätten, performing assembly tasks such as folding boxes and applying labels. In Mitterteich, Mayor Stefan Grillmeier and other representatives from local authorities and companies participated in packing emergency kits at the KJF-Werkstätten to facilitate direct exchange.

In Cologne, employees from Alexianer START GmbH and AlexOffice participated in job shadowing with partners including the Cologne-West Customs Office, the Cologne Employment Agency, Pixum, Café Ludwig, and Traffic Commission 5 in Frechen. Matthias Hopster, Managing Director of Alexianer START GmbH, noted that these encounters allow for a “genuine change in perspective” and challenge misconceptions. The Cologne Employment Agency’s participation marked its first involvement, with Bernd Walgenbach, Head of Rehabilitation, highlighting the value of experiencing workshop realities to better support transitions to the general labor market.