Working World 4.0 - 3 Questions for Dr. Ole Wintermann of the Bertelsmann Stiftung

With our small series "Three questions to..." we interview selected personalities on various topics. Among other things, the questions pick up on topics discussed by the interviewees in the form of keynote speeches or other activities as part of Bayern Innovativ events. Today, we are directing our short interview to Dr. Ole Wintermann, Bertelsmann Foundation. Dr. Wintermann will speak at our network conference Working World 4.0: "Thinking Digitalization, Sustainability and Demography Together and Implementing Them Successfully" on November 10, 2022 in Munich. The lecture title is "From New Work to sustainable operational transformation".

Why can it make sense to look at digital and ecological transformation together?

Dr. Wintermann: In the long run, digital transformation must not only be associated with work intensification and rising incomes for management. People are increasingly asking themselves what this digital transformation is actually for and who it is for, and what values drive modern employers.

What role does the world of work play when it comes to successful implementation of transformation processes?

Dr. Wintermann: The world of work can serve as a blueprint for organizational transformation. Here, moreover, tools, cultures and innovations can be tried out and evaluated. And last but not least, the working world is also the starting point for income generation and value creation.

What competencies do employees need in order to actively shape transformation processes?

Dr. Wintermann Managers must recognize that the idea of being able to determine the whereabouts of an empowered employee is shared by fewer and fewer people. This raises the question of their own future role, but managers are also strong cost drivers in an automating world of work. All people in companies must be prepared to change their activities, their competencies and their roles. The only thing that remains constant is change.