Krones has received the Corporate Health Award 2025 – one of the most prestigious honours for corporate health management in Germany.
The jury, consisting of experts from science, business and healthcare, recognized a health management system that doesn’t just exist on paper but is deeply embedded in the company culture.
A look behind the scenes shows how this concept works: Since 2014, Florian Hirsch, Head of Health Management, together with his team, has continuously built a system that now includes ten employees, provides dedicated contacts at every plant, and is closely linked to the company health insurance fund, Krones BKK. Around 80 percent of the workforce is insured there – a strong foundation for prevention, early detection and quick assistance.
Health at every stage of life
What makes Krones stand out is the diversity of its offerings. The expert jury particularly highlighted the programmes for mental health, including the “Fit in Shift” project, mental health courses, individual coaching and digital tools. Health promotion for apprentices also sets benchmarks: The “Start and Stay Healthy” program offers digital learning content, workshops and personal coaching – including iPads for all trainees. For shift-working apprentices, there is even a dedicated module with e-sports activities and one-on-one coaching.
Well-being in everyday work
Another success factor is how health is communicated at Krones. The jury praised internal communication as exemplary: From the “Monday Moment” to podcasts and the health media library on the intranet – information is easily accessible and presented in an engaging way. Managers are trained to actively promote health and lead by example. They are supported by sounding boards, coaching and digital tools. The offering is complemented by flexible working time models, sabbaticals, mobile work and company-supported childcare at the Neutraubling site.
A system that works
The effectiveness of these measures is no coincidence. Krones relies on clear goals, a fixed budget and a value-on-investment system that makes benefits measurable. Regular feedback loops ensure that offerings continue to evolve. Active employee participation plays an important role – whether through idea management, multiplier programmes or formats such as “Shaping Healthy Work.”
“At Krones, we live healthy work as a holistic concept: networked, practical and future-oriented. Our approach combines the needs of office and production – because health knows no boundaries. We create healthy work that reaches all levels of the company and lays a strong foundation for well-being and performance,” explains Uta Anders, CFO and responsible for corporate health management.
__In the picture: Saskia Venus and Florian Hirsch received the award from Markus A.W. Hoehner (CEO EuPD Research, on the right). (Image credits: EUPD Research/Wenski) __
