Shift change: DSEE employees experience the world of the workshop!

Shift change: DSEE employees experience the world of the workshop!

A very special day of action will take place in Germany on September 27, 2025: The German Foundation for Commitment and Volunteering (DSEE) is calling for the “Shift Change” campaign. This initiative enables DSEE employees to work for a day in workshops for people with disabilities and gain exciting insights into a completely different working environment. As part of this year's shift change, around 1,000 gift bags will be packed in the "IDA and Friends" workshop at the Tannenhof in Neustrelitz, which is a valuable experience for everyone involved.

The shift change is not just a simple change of activity. It also serves to raise awareness of the valuable work of people with disabilities. The DSEE employees swap their usual desk work for manual work in production, metalworking and carpentry. Some even already have technical skills, which further enriches the process. The campaign takes place as part of German Unity Day on October 3rd, which gives the event a special meaning. This not only promotes cohesion within the teams, but also strengthens mutual respect and understanding between the different working environments.

Insights into the workshops

The feedback from DSEE employees is overwhelmingly positive. Jana Klinkenberg, who works in the executive office, emphasizes how important physical balance is to her office job. Stefan Meinert, group leader of the carpentry shop, welcomes the new employees and focuses on the warmth of the workshop employees. Christoph Weißgeber, who is deaf, delights those present with candle arches made from laser technology. On such occasions it becomes clear how much respect and joy can arise on both sides in the exchange. Philipp Albrecht from the communications department emphasizes the desire to have such experiences more often.

But shift change goes beyond individual experiences. It is also an opportunity to draw attention to the opportunities that people with disabilities have in the primary labor market. The aim is to encourage companies to recognize the potential of these people and to better integrate them into the work process. This is also achieved through collaboration between organizations such as BauWatch and Lebenshilfe Oberhausen, which promote the exchange of workers between workshops and companies.

Funding opportunities for inclusive workplaces

Another important aspect of inclusion in the world of work is the barrier-free design of workplaces. There are numerous funding opportunities for companies that want to devote themselves to the topic of inclusion. Companies can receive support for designing their workplaces to be disability-friendly, including the acquisition of work equipment such as special office chairs or technical aids for blind and visually impaired people. These subsidies can cover up to 100 percent of the costs, making it easier for employers to integrate people with disabilities. Information and applications go through the integration office or other rehabilitation providers.

Overall, Shift Change 2025 shows that it is not just about making the workplace reality of people with disabilities known, but also about creating a space for mutual learning and open-mindedness. The exchange is a benefit for everyone involved and lays the foundation for future collaborations.