A survey recently published by *Stern* magazine and the market research firm Statista has revealed that the IT service provider Materna is one of the most popular employers in the Dortmund region. Across Germany, Materna came third in the ‘IT and Telecommunications’ category, outperforming many an international IT group in the process. In the overall ranking of all 650 participating companies across all sectors, Materna achieved a very respectable 67th place.
As part of the analysis, nearly 50,000 employees were surveyed about their own employer as well as other companies, meaning a total of 1.73 million opinions were factored into the assessment. At least 100 ratings had to be submitted for each employer in order for it to be included in the ranking.
In recent years, Materna has developed into a highly attractive employer. Within the IT sector, the company is one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the entire Dortmund region.
“For us, the result of the employer ranking is a huge success and proof that we are on the right track with our employer positioning. Our staff find a working environment here where they have a great deal of creative freedom and can contribute their ideas and expertise to interesting client projects. Furthermore, it is important to our staff that they can develop their skills, exchange professional insights with colleagues and learn from one another. To this end, we have coined the employer values ‘Masters of Autonomy’ and ‘Substance Counts’,” explains Martin Wibbe, CEO of the Materna Group, highlighting key aspects of the corporate culture.
Another key part of the working culture is the comprehensive onboarding programmes for new staff. These include a digital onboarding pack containing all the essential information for getting started, a mentoring scheme and digital welcome events.
Anyone wishing to pursue a career at Materna is supported by a personalised career model that takes their individual achievements and skills into account. In addition, employees can choose from a wide range of further training opportunities, thereby helping to shape their own development. To provide digital content such as e-learning, the company utilises both its own learning system and internationally established specialist digital platforms.
Remote working and flexible working hours
Remote working has become an integral part of the working culture at Materna. The infrastructure is geared towards remote working, and currently just under 90 per cent of staff are working from home. According to the latest staff survey, which is conducted twice a year, the majority of staff would like to continue working from home even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working and a good work-life balance are also supported by a highly flexible working hours model.
Sports facilities and JobRad
For many people today, a bicycle is almost more important than a car. Employees have the option of obtaining their preferred bicycle conveniently and affordably through Materna. The JobRad is leased by Materna and can be used by staff for their commute to work or for sporting activities. In addition to the JobRad, Materna offers many other sporting activities and financial support for sporting pursuits, including, for example, bouldering.
About Materna
The Materna Group currently employs more than 2,400 staff worldwide and generated a turnover of 355.1 million euros in 2020. Materna covers the entire range of services offered by a full-service provider in the premium segment: from consultancy and implementation to operation. Materna advises and supports companies and public authorities on all aspects of digitalisation and provides bespoke technologies for agile, flexible and secure IT. Its clients include IT organisations as well as specialist departments within companies and the public sector. The group also comprises various subsidiaries.
