The Koehler Group Receives “einfach, barrierefrei…” Accessibility Distinction
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- Lebenshilfe Offenburg-Oberkirch-Lahr e.V. recognizes company’s commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities
- Community engagement has deep roots in the family business’ culture
- Koehler Group to be added to new web navigator
Inclusion starts where people are simply part of our typical workday. This lived philosophy is why the Koehler Group was recently honored with the “einfach, barrierefrei…“ (Simply Accessible) distinction by Lebenshilfe Offenburg‑Oberkirch‑Lahr e. V.
Inclusion Through Inclusive Workplace Design
This recognition was based on a level of commitment that extends far beyond mere symbolic actions and has seen the Koehler Group proactively shape inclusion. In the company’s day-to-day work environment, this means inclusive workplace design that takes individual needs into account and empowers people to fully participate in the workplace. “Inclusion is not a mere obligation for us – it’s a philosophy we believe in,” says Elke Renz, the Corporate Director of HR & Legal Department at the Koehler Group. “We want to create working conditions in which every single one of our employees feels seen and supported regardless of their specific needs.”
The company’s commitment goes even further, as the Koehler Group is also consciously invested in making sure that everyone gets the opportunity to truly have a rewarding career. The measures taken in this regard include, for example, additional leave days for employees requiring reasonable accommodations (“gleichgestellte Mitarbeitende”), as well as children and family services designed to provide all Koehler employees with valuable support in all life circumstances and enable them to have a healthy work–life balance. In other words, the goal is not just to provide access to work, but also to create an environment in which everyone can flourish in the long term.
Lived Inclusion: A Natural Approach for a Family Business Committed to Its Communities
The Koehler Group is also known for proactively taking action outside of the company. As part of its social engagement, the family business works together with regional partners and boosts initiatives that promote inclusion and participation. It is exactly this global approach that Lebenshilfe Offenburg‑Oberkirch‑Lahr e. V. highlighted when awarding the distinction: “True inclusion is something that is seen in everyday life – in a company’s big and small decisions. From this perspective, the Koehler Group serves as a trailblazing role model with a deep commitment to the communities around it; one that is creating real opportunities for people with disabilities,” says Katharina Reich, a Project Manager at Lebenshilfe Offenburg-Oberkirch-Lahr e.V. In the coming weeks, this organization will be launching a web navigator that will be listing companies with philosophies that incorporate accessibility and inclusion. All companies with the “einfach, barrierefrei…” seal of distinction will be included in this list.
For the Koehler Group, this distinction serves both as recognition of its efforts and as an incentive to do even more: Inclusion is vital and needs to keep growing – step by step, action by action, person by person.
Best regards
Alexander M. Stöckle Corporate Director Marketing & Communications Press Spokesperson
Koehler Holding SE & Co. KG
Tel: +49 7802 81-4749 Fax: +49 7802 81-5749 mailto:alexander.stoeckle@koehler.com