ÖBB Annual Report 2023

95 Group Management Report Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 50 Intercultural competencies ÖBB is facing a generation change in the company and Austria, like other countries, is in the midst of a socio-demographic population trend. In this context, tapping the potential of the labour force with a multicultural background is a key challenge and economic goal. This applies equally to the composition of the workforce and to the handling of the mobility market. Improvements to our intercultural fitness are being addressed at various different levels. This includes training on the topic of intercultural collaboration, cooperation with organisations such as Volkshilfe and the Austrian Integration Fund, as well as internal discussion events on cultural diversity within the Group. The apprenticeship training of unaccompanied refugee youths with asylum status is also particularly noteworthy. This initiative has already been promoted since 2012 with the Lobby.16 association and since 2016 also with the support of the AMP. The focus is also placed on female young people with asylum status. A workshop on “Anti-racism and civil courage“ was also organised with the youth representatives to address intercultural skills as part of the International Day against Racism. The aim was to show the youth councils and apprentices how they are able to take a stand against racism. Active Community-Building Employees and travellers from different cultures are a great enrichment for ÖBB. The discussion among the travellers and with the personnel of the ÖBB are the motivation to start the program “Safe & Respectful – Together on the Road”. This programme aims to engage with gatekeepers in the individual communities and promote dialogue. In 2023, the focus was on „Black Community”. More than 3,700 colleagues from 95 countries working in the ÖBB Group are involved – and the trend is on the rise. This diversity of cultures and languages should be actively utilised. The language learning exchange makes it possible to find language learning partners and organise a free language exchange (tandem) with them in their free time. Performance Management – Leadership Competence More than ever, leadership behaviour and management culture are decisive parameters for further developing ÖBB and ensuring joint success. Leadership work at ÖBB is guided by ÖBB’s values, but above all by ÖBB’s leadership principles. These guidelines for leadership provide clear direction, ensuring consistent and harmonious practices across the Group. In the following section, we would like to explain the most important tools and measures for securing and strengthening leadership skills. Leadership work is measured using a leadership assessment in the form of 360° leadership feedback. Most recently in 2021, all participating managers received feedback on their own leadership behaviour using this tool. The feedback was drawn up from an all-round view and summarised in the form of a results report. Each manager was offered a coaching session or an interpretation of the results with a coach. Development conferences were held in all organisational units and reporting levels in 2022 following the 360° management feedback. The first ÖBB-wide top development conference took place on 07.03.2023. The participants in this Top development conference were CEO Andreas Matthä, Head of Strategic HR Management Martina Hacker and the HR Board members and HR managers of the subgroup companies. Each subgroup company presented those managers who had been identified as outstanding talents, strong talents with potential or future talents in the assessments. The objectives of the TOP development conference were – Group-wide transparency about outstanding management talent – Highlighting talent at ÖBB in the form of a talent pool – Promotion of individuals through targeted HR development measures (potential analysis, coaching, job rotation) The overall evaluation from the leadership assessments and the needs assessment in all subgroup companies formed the basis for the design of a comprehensive leadership development programme for ÖBB. The ÖBB Business Competence Centre invited tenders for 26 management training topics in the second half of the year. The programme includes suitable training opportunities in equal measure for both experienced and new managers. The general aim is for participants to gain more confidence, develop their leadership behaviour and be able to cope with the challenges of the new world of work. The programme is scheduled to launch in 2024. The leadership impulses launched in autumn 2022 were continued in 2023 and continue to be an essential cornerstone of ÖBB’s management development due to the very positive feedback. All offers are conducted throughout the Group and on an inter-company basis. MR50 |