Operations management

"Craftsmanship is an important building block for reconstruction"

Five years after the devastating floods, the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Construction, the WHKT (Westphalian Chamber of Skilled Crafts), and the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts have concluded the state initiative "Skilled Crafts in Reconstruction." In Odenthal, they reviewed their collaboration.

Reforestation of forests to preserve drinking water

Only a healthy, green forest can ensure a balanced water supply. However, persistently high temperatures and drought are currently putting forests under pressure. Since water is an essential source of life, Krombacher supports the preservation of stable forests with a large-scale reforestation program.

Photo: © Svetlana Kolpakova/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Workplace accident on the way to the snack bar

The walk from the home office to lunch can be considered a workplace accident – but not always. The Hessian State Social Court has ruled differently in two similar cases.

Photo: © cocon

Operations management | July 2026

"Those who don't move with the times, are swept away by the times."

Starting on July 9th, the new column "Workbench + Change" by Daniel-John Riedl and Markus Mazur will be published every two weeks on handwerksblatt.de, offering inspiration and food for thought.

Photo: © ArGe Medien im ZVEH

Operations management | July 2026

Roofers and electricians welcome the ruling on PV systems

Only certified master craftsmen are permitted to offer the planning, installation, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems as a single service. This explains why the ruling of the Higher Regional Court of Koblenz is of great importance to the roofing and electrical engineering trades.

Photo: © Nikolaus Brade / DGUV

Operations management | July 2026

Alcohol and drugs in the workplace: Looking the other way is not a solution

One in four employees knows colleagues with alcohol or drug problems, according to a recent survey by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Alcohol is the most frequently mentioned substance. It's often a taboo subject.

Photo: © ginasanders/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Energy efficiency in companies: Bureaucracy reduction planned

Efficiency targets for companies and the public sector are being reduced: Economics Minister Reiche is now focusing on particularly energy-intensive businesses.

Photo: © Jozef Polc/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Bogus self-employment: Client can reclaim fees

Companies can reclaim overpaid money from a bogus self-employed person if the corresponding wage is lower than the fee.

Operations management | July 2026

No comprehensive monitoring obligation in the café

Bakery employees are only required to check glasses for visible damage. A customer who allegedly injured himself on a cracked latte macchiato glass was denied compensation in court.

Operations management | July 2026

Subsidies for energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems until the end of 2026

Companies and municipalities can apply for federal subsidies for energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems until December 31, 2026. After approval, there are two years to implement the project.

Operations management | July 2026

Suspected undeclared work: Pension insurance may estimate contributions

Anyone who fails to keep personnel records risks having the authorities estimate the back payments due. This applies even if undeclared work has not been clearly proven, the Berlin-Brandenburg Regional Labor Court clarified.

Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister

Three prizes for final projects of designers (HWK)

Eight success codes for future viability

Mental health in craft businesses

ING launches new fixed-term deposit offer for medium-sized businesses

"A complete disaster": How the packaging tax is burdening bakers

Schufa shadow database: What businesses can do

Süffa with three focus topics at the pulse of the meat industry

Federal Cabinet approves second relief package

"A complete disaster": How the packaging tax is burdening bakers

"Craftsmanship is an important building block for reconstruction"

Craftsmen in Saxony oppose packaging tax

Stylish fastback – the Peugeot 408

How Geely plans to conquer the German market

Uncharted – Subaru's first all-electric SUV

Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister

Vocational school classes awarded for creative ideas against violence

Reforestation of forests to preserve drinking water

Corporate award from "Vocational Training Without Borders"

Growing as a team – healthy and successful

Trades welcome the right to repair: "Strong signal"

Reference: The former employee is sometimes allowed to force the boss to sign it.

Workplace accident on the way to the snack bar

"Those who don't move with the times, are swept away by the times."

Roofers and electricians welcome the ruling on PV systems

Alcohol and drugs in the workplace: Looking the other way is not a solution

Energy efficiency in companies: Bureaucracy reduction planned

Bogus self-employment: Client can reclaim fees

No comprehensive monitoring obligation in the café

Subsidies for energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems until the end of 2026

Suspected undeclared work: Pension insurance may estimate contributions