Survey
A plan for the future
The results of our first global employee engagement survey are now available. The good feedback enables us to see what is already just fine, but also where there is still room for improvement.
More than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, i.e. 66% of the workforce, took part in our first employee engagement survey – a satisfactory response rate all in all and a good platform for increasing the number further in future surveys.
“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to all colleagues for the great feedback. I see that as an expression of trust in KWS and a strong sense of togetherness,” says Melanie Eisinger, Head of Global HR. “The breadth of views and ideas in particular gives us the opportunity to work together in a pinpointed manner to further improve our working environment.”
The close attachment to KWS among our colleagues is also reflected in our engagement index of 74%, which is slightly above the global average benchmark for numerous companies from different sectors. This means that 74% of participants have a positive and motivated attitude towards their work and the company. At the same time, this figure expresses a high degree of commitment and satisfaction.
The engagement index is calculated from the average of the positive responses (“fully agree” and “agree”) to the three key questions in the chart, shown in green. The color beige stands for the neutral answer “neither nor,” while red stands for a negative assessment with “completely disagree” and “disagree.”
“The fact that 84 percent of all participants would recommend KWS as a great place to work is also an impressive result compared with other companies and I was particularly pleased about that. It is testimony to our strength as a family business,” says Melanie Eisinger.
The answers to the other questions also provide valuable initial insights. For example, there is a high level of assent for our corporate values and products as well as for respect, trust and the opportunity employees have to use their own skills effectively in everyday working life, which is vital to a positive and motivating working environment and the personal development of every one of us. At the same time, the results show a clear need for action with regard to communication within the company, our work processes, the feedback culture and, in particular, the implementation of positive changes based on the survey’s results.
On the intranet: Results at a glance
You can find an overview of all the results of the survey at the group level on the intranet. All colleagues are cordially invited to find out more there and to be part of the ongoing dialog.
An important next step is for managers to review the results with their team members. Over the next few months, the results will be discussed at the team level with a view to highlighting the strengths and areas where things need to change. This gives all employees the opportunity to get involved and actively shape improvement measures.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact employee.engagement@kws.com or:
Response rate
3,319 of 5,011 colleagues worldwide took part in the survey.
Engagement index
The engagement index is calculated from the average of the positive answers to the following key questions.
I would recommend KWS to people I know because it is a great place to work.
My work fulfills me.
KWS motivates me to achieve more than is actually required for my work.
The engagement index expresses the attachment of our colleagues to KWS.
© KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA 2025
