The question of who decides how we work – and the often undemocratic structures within companies – is gaining traction globally. While democratic institutions grapple with the influence of corporate power, a growing movement advocates for greater worker participation in the decisions that shape their daily lives. A recent workshop in Berlin, titled “Wer entscheidet über unsere Arbeit?” (“Who Decides Our Work?”), exemplifies this burgeoning conversation, exploring the current state of co-determination and potential alternatives to traditional hierarchical models.
The workshop, offered by the Marzahn-Hellersdorf Adult Education Center, addresses a core tension: the vast amount of time individuals spend at work, often without a meaningful voice in the production process, the products created, or the overall direction of the company. Economist Heinz-Josef Bontrup has termed this imbalance a “half democracy,” highlighting the disconnect between political freedoms and workplace realities. This concept resonates with a broader critique of modern capitalism, which often prioritizes shareholder value over the well-being and agency of employees. The event aims to provide a space for participants to examine their own work experiences, understand the existing frameworks for worker involvement – particularly in the German context – and envision more equitable and participatory organizational structures.
Co-determination in Germany: A Historical Overview
Germany has a long-standing tradition of co-determination, or *Mitbestimmung*, a system designed to provide employees a voice in corporate governance. This system, established in the 1970s, grants workers the right to representation on company supervisory boards. The German Federal Government explains that co-determination aims to balance the interests of shareholders and employees, fostering a more collaborative and socially responsible business environment. However, the extent of worker influence varies depending on company size and structure. Companies with more than 500 employees are subject to a more robust form of co-determination, with half of the supervisory board seats filled by employee representatives. Smaller companies have works councils, which provide a platform for employee consultation and negotiation.
Despite this established framework, the workshop suggests that the potential for genuine worker empowerment remains largely untapped. The “half democracy” critique points to limitations in the scope of co-determination, arguing that it often focuses on oversight rather than direct control over strategic decisions. The influence of employee representatives can be constrained by factors such as power dynamics within the boardroom and a lack of resources for independent analysis and advocacy. The workshop, seeks to move beyond simply understanding the existing system to exploring more radical alternatives.
Facilitators and Expertise
The Berlin workshop is led by two individuals with extensive experience in organizational development and economic democracy: Philip Euteneuer and Matthias Kasper. Philip Euteneuer, holding a master’s degree in institutional design, brings expertise in participatory consulting and conflict resolution. His background as a volunteer leader in the German Scout Association demonstrates a commitment to collaborative leadership and community building. He currently works as a consultant at HMP gGmbH, a company focused on social and ecological sustainability. Euteneuer also engages in political education for both young people and adults, addressing topics related to economic and corporate democracy.
Matthias Kasper, a nonprofit economist with a Master of Arts degree, complements Euteneuer’s skillset with a focus on public welfare-oriented organizational consulting. He is also a consultant at HMP gGmbH and a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences for Social Design (HfGG) and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, teaching courses on economic and organizational democracy and alternative economic models. The HfGG website details Kasper’s research interests, which include participatory economics and the development of sustainable business practices. Kasper’s involvement in initiatives related to progressive economic and housing policy, as well as his role as co-coordinator of the Social-Ecological Sustainability working group at SuperCoop eG, further underscores his dedication to building a more equitable and sustainable economy.
Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Hierarchies
The workshop’s curriculum promises a deep dive into the theoretical and practical aspects of alternative organizational models. Participants will likely explore concepts such as worker cooperatives, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and sociocracy – a governance system based on consent and distributed authority. These models aim to shift power away from traditional management structures and empower employees to participate in decision-making processes. The focus on practical applications suggests that the workshop will not only examine the principles of these models but also explore how they can be implemented in real-world settings.
The exploration of alternatives is particularly relevant in the context of growing concerns about income inequality, job insecurity, and the erosion of worker rights. The rise of the gig economy and the increasing prevalence of precarious employment arrangements have further exacerbated these challenges. In this environment, the demand for more democratic and equitable workplaces is likely to intensify. The workshop, represents a timely and important contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of work.
The Role of Worker Cooperatives
Worker cooperatives, where employees collectively own and manage the business, offer a compelling alternative to traditional corporate structures. These businesses prioritize democratic decision-making, equitable distribution of profits, and a commitment to social responsibility. Democracy at Work is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting worker cooperatives in the United States, providing resources and support for entrepreneurs and workers interested in this model. While worker cooperatives represent a relatively compact percentage of businesses they are gaining traction in various sectors, demonstrating the viability of employee ownership and democratic governance.
Practical Details and Accessibility
The “Wer entscheidet über unsere Arbeit?” workshop is offered by the Marzahn-Hellersdorf Adult Education Center, making it accessible to a broad range of participants. The fee for the course is €15.00, with a reduced rate of €9.00 available. This relatively low cost reflects the Adult Education Center’s commitment to providing affordable learning opportunities for the community. The event is being held at a city library, and organizers note that photographs may be taken at the event for potential publication on their website, social media channels, and those of their partners. This practice is common for public events and is intended to promote the center’s activities and engage with the wider community.
The workshop’s focus on both theoretical understanding and practical application suggests that it will be valuable for a diverse audience, including employees, managers, activists, and anyone interested in exploring alternative models of workplace organization. By bringing together experts in the field and providing a space for open discussion, the workshop aims to empower participants to turn into agents of change in their own workplaces and communities.
The next step for those interested in this topic is to explore the resources offered by organizations like HMP gGmbH and Democracy at Work, and to engage in conversations about how to build more democratic and equitable workplaces. The conversation about who decides our work is just beginning, and continued dialogue and action are essential to creating a future where all workers have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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