Why should you even hold Works Council elections?

Why should you even hold Works Council elections? Can’t you just appoint a few employees who are engaged with the organization and have some time to spare? Or maybe those who are always sharing their opinions at the coffee machine?  While that might sound tempting, it’s not legally acceptable. Skipping elections puts you at risk of ending up in front of a subdistrict court judge.

Fortunately, organizing elections for the Works Council (WC) is about much more than ticking a legal box. It lays the foundation for transparent and democratic employee representation within your organization. Through elections, every voice counts, ensuring that the WC is not just a random group, but one made up of individuals chosen by their peers, with real support behind them. This avoids arbitrariness and not only increases trust in the WC, but also strengthens the legitimacy of its decisions.

Elections actually offer an opportunity to boost support throughout the organization. Employees get the chance to choose candidates who best represent their interests. And often, once people realize they have real influence over both the Council’s makeup and its decisions, it sparks more energy and engagement.

This leads to better-informed, more motivated council members, people who are aware of their responsibility and act on behalf of the entire workforce.

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That’s why well-organized WC elections are not just a legal requirement, they’re a real chance to foster a strong culture of participation and collaboration. You’ll build trust in management and increase employee engagement.

And that makes your organization better and more enjoyable for everyone, who wouldn’t want that?