i-work 2026

Werner Systemgastronomie Jena GmbH operates seven McDonald’s restaurants in Thuringia and Saxony. Around 45 per cent of staff have an international background and bring experience from up to 14 different countries to the teams. Diversity is part of everyday working life here and shapes the way people work together in the restaurants.

To ensure that international staff settle in well, the company supports them well beyond their initial entry into the role. Free German language courses, assistance with dealing with the authorities, finding accommodation or opening a bank account make the start easier. Private accommodation, a structured onboarding process and designated points of contact provide guidance and a sense of security. New apprentices are also supported by a buddy system, which makes it easier for them to settle into their day-to-day working lives.

Werner Systemgastronomie promotes dialogue between people from different cultures and addresses challenges openly. The company raises awareness amongst managers and teams about cultural differences, works together to find solutions, and in doing so fosters respectful interaction. Werner Systemgastronomie regards diversity as an integral part of its corporate culture and as a vital foundation for long-term success.

Photos © Werner Systemgastronomie

Werner Systemgastronomie was awarded the i-work Intercultural Business Award on 9 September 2026. Congratulations! Read more (German).

Accenture develops software solutions at its Jena site and employs around 160 staff, including some 30 colleagues from a wide range of countries. International teams are part of everyday working life and enrich collaboration by bringing diverse experiences and perspectives.

To ensure that international professionals feel at home within the team, Accenture supports them well beyond their initial entry into the role. The company assists with visa and administrative procedures, offers flexible working hours to accommodate important appointments and, where necessary, puts them in touch with the Welcome Centre in Jena. Dedicated staff also help with finding accommodation, making the start in Jena much easier.

A structured onboarding programme featuring specialist training, courses on intercultural collaboration and initiatives promoting diversity and anti-discrimination provides guidance right from the start. German language courses and other language learning programmes support day-to-day working life, whilst personal mentors guide employees in their professional and personal development. Through joint sports, family and team events, Accenture fosters interaction and creates an open working environment in which people from different cultures feel welcome.

Photos © Accenture Technology Solutions

Active Fiber Systems GmbH (AFS), based in Jena, develops high-performance femtosecond lasers and embraces internationalism in its day-to-day operations. Around 30 per cent of its 100 employees come from 15 different countries. Their numbers have grown steadily in recent years.

To ensure that international professionals settle in well in Jena and within the company, Active Fiber Systems supports them right from the start: a structured onboarding process with personalised induction plans, bilingual information and regular feedback meetings help them get off to a good start. A mentoring programme and a specially developed handbook containing practical information on life in Jena and local support services are in the pipeline and are intended to provide even better support upon arrival in future.

Active Fiber Systems also promotes intercultural exchange in day-to-day working life. The company offers language courses, organises training for managers on managing multicultural teams, and creates opportunities for people to meet through joint events. Active Fiber Systems regards diversity as a key factor for success: different perspectives strengthen the company’s capacity for innovation, its collaborative spirit and its international focus.

Photos © Active Fiber Systems GmbH

The Asklepios Specialist Clinic in Stadtroda is a modern centre for mental and neurological health and geriatric medicine, with around 750 staff members. International staff form a key part of the organisation: around 120 staff members from some ten different countries work at Asklepios.

The clinic has been actively recruiting international specialists since 2019. This commitment does not end with recruitment. On the contrary: the integration process begins even before they arrive in the country and continues to support new colleagues well beyond their first day at work.

The integration officers get to know the future staff members online in advance, collect them in person upon their arrival and support them with dealing with the authorities, finding accommodation and all the important aspects of daily life. The hospital provides accommodation, organises language courses in cooperation with regional adult education centres and supports them throughout the entire recognition process, right up to professional registration.

At the same time, the Asklepios Specialist Clinic is also preparing its existing teams to welcome new colleagues. Openness, patience and mutual understanding are integral parts of the corporate culture. Religious needs are taken into account, as is the integration of families.

The result is that international specialists often remain at the hospital in the long term and, together with their families, make the region their new home.

Photos © Asklepios Specialist Clinic, Stadtroda

GÖPEL electronic develops and manufactures innovative test and inspection systems for the electronics industry in Jena. The company employs around 235 staff, including 14 colleagues (including a working student) with international backgrounds from ten different countries. Internationally qualified staff have been enriching the teams for many years with their knowledge, experience and fresh perspectives.

To ensure new staff settle in well, GÖPEL electronic carefully prepares their induction. Personalised induction plans, designated points of contact, information in English and regular feedback sessions provide guidance and instil confidence. The company supports staff with language courses, assists international professionals with organisational matters and is constantly developing its onboarding programmes.

GÖPEL electronic also makes a conscious effort to foster an intercultural approach to collaboration within the company. Workshops on cultural diversity and equal opportunities strengthen mutual understanding and encourage open dialogue. Joint team events provide opportunities for people to meet and strengthen team spirit. GÖPEL electronic sees diversity as an opportunity to learn from one another and work together successfully.

Photos © GÖPEL electronic

SOMAG AG Jena is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-precision gimbal systems. Since 2004, the company has been developing and manufacturing gyro-stabilisation systems to collect and monitor data from the air, on land and at sea. The international environment shapes day-to-day working life: English is an integral part of many tasks, and staff from different countries bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the company.

To ensure that new staff settle in well, SOMAG relies on a structured induction process with clear onboarding plans, designated points of contact and active integration into the teams. The company supports international professionals with administrative procedures and, if requested, also with learning the German language.

SOMAG AG Jena fosters an open and respectful corporate culture. Joint team activities and the exchange of ideas across different cultures promote a sense of community. When selecting staff, team spirit and potential for development are key considerations alongside professional skills. The company views diversity as an asset and creates a working environment in which people from different backgrounds feel welcome.

Photos © SOMAG AG

VITROMED GmbH develops and manufactures medical devices for reproductive medicine in Jena and operates in an international environment. More than half of its 56 employees have an international background. They hold positions of responsibility in production, quality management, product development and other key areas, and shape the company with their experience and perspectives.

VITROMED supports international professionals right from their first day at work. Structured induction programmes, dedicated contact persons and regular feedback meetings make it easier for them to settle in. The company provides support with language courses, tailors these to the day-to-day work routine and assists with issues relating to residence permits. In this way, VITROMED creates the right conditions for a long-term working relationship.

Diversity is part of everyday working life at VITROMED. Open dialogue, mutual interest and the exchange of ideas across different cultures strengthen team spirit. The company approaches cultural differences with openness, promotes shared learning and is constantly developing its support services for international staff – including new buddy schemes and making internal training courses more accessible.

Photos © VITROMED GmbH