Porsche Helping Workers by Improving Training and Changing Hours

Do you want to work fewer hours for the same pay and benefits? Then go knock on Porsche'sPorscheGermany, 1931 > present43 models
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door in Zuffenhausen. The company is lowering the workweek for its Zuffenhausen employees to 34 hours per week but paying them the same with the same benefits. It is also building a new training center in Zuffenhausen. 

Porsche says that current production methods mean that productivity is just as high with fewer work hours. The plan has two big advantages. First, a shorter workweek means that Porsche keeps the factory closed longer, which lowers utility costs like for electricity or water. Second, it allows Porsche to attract a higher caliber of workers because they will be paid the same and get more time with their families.

"Our solutions are intended to increase the attractiveness of Porsche as a modern employer, and we want to give our employees options regarding their lifestyle by allowing for individual working times," said Thomas Edig, Porsche head of human resources. 

The only possible downside to workers is if that productivity must stay the same. Porsche says that if production slips, it will return to a standard workweek. Porsche says that this is an attempt to get ready for the labor market of the future. 

 "Fact of the matter is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find skilled workers due to demographic change. We also need flexible working times that do justice to the different life stages of our colleagues, as well as permitting the reconciliation of family and career," said Uwe Hück, Porsche board deputy chairman. 

The company is also building a new, 9,000m²-training facility at the Zuffenhausen campus. It will provide enough room for 500 students at a time. The courses will be coordinated with the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University with courses in technical and commercial areas. 

The center will begin construction in 2013 or 2014 with completion in the second half of 2015.

"The council has always been of the opinion that we can meet the impending shortage of skilled workers only by offering more and better training. We have now achieved an increase in the number of apprentices from 100 to 150 per year, which will all be taken on for an indefinite period. The new training center permits Porsche to meet its social responsibilities," said Hück.