kp and me: Horst Zirkel

kp and me

Meet Horst Zirkel

Chairman of the General Works Council in Montabaur, Germany

I’m proud to say that I’ve been with kp for over 36 years… and what a journey it’s been.
However, my life with Electronics goes further back than that. At the young age of 18, I started an apprenticeship as an electrical systems engineer. I turned up on day one in my best outfit, not forgetting my brightly coloured statement trousers and shiny shoes! That neat appearance didn’t last long though: by the end of the day, it had turned into a beautifully dirty ensemble. After that, I then went on to hone my knowledge even further as an apprentice Power Systems Electronics Engineer.

Engineering and I go way back

Looking back, this route that I’ve taken is not surprising. As a child, I loved everything to do with craftsmanship, machines and electronics. You’d always find me fiddling around with broken machines. Fixing things is in my blood! Maybe it’s because I’ve always looked for the positive in things. I grew up alongside my 5 siblings in Cologne, Germany. At 7, we moved to the region of Westerwald but I’ve always stayed true to my Cologne origins - living and breathing our principles: "Et kütt wie et kütt" and "Et hätt noch immer jot jejange“ (“Whatever will be will be” and “All’s well that ends well”).

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"Et kütt wie et kütt" and "Et hätt noch immer jot jejange“ (“Whatever will be will be” and “All’s well that ends well”).

Horst Zirkel

Chairman of the General Works Council, Montabaur, Germany

My role involves work as a translator, mediator, confidant and often a sensitive pastor, offering advice or support to colleagues who are looking for it

What does a typical day look like?

That’s the great thing, actually: there is no ’typical’ day for me at kp. Every day brings new and unique challenges and that’s because my job revolves around the people of kp. One thing is for certain, though. Every day, from the moment my day starts - it’s filled with people asking “do you have a moment?”. With a workforce of over 1000 people and a responsibility to deal with their issues and concerns on a daily basis, it’s no surprise!

My role at kp is a varied one

It involves work as a translator, mediator, confidant and often a sensitive pastor, offering advice or support to colleagues who are looking for it. All the different aspects of my work are centred around the people of kp and their wellbeing. I’m constantly motivated by this work because they rely on me. I was also elected to the works council by the staff of kp to represent the interests of the employees to management.

It’s all about the people

kp truly is a great employer - where colleagues feel secure and appreciated. But as I mentioned, there is always more work to do. I feel so privileged to be in a position to help my colleagues every day. I approach everyone and every situation the same: each colleague deserves equal treatment. Communication is key: I make sure to explain things in a human, non - technical way so that nobody ever feels confused or misunderstood.

Equality: my greatest motivation

Creating equal opportunities in the workplace brings me fresh motivation each and every day. I’m driven by the goal of personally ensuring that there are fewer injustices in working life. Throughout my life and career, I have seen and experienced much injustice and so, when I was given the chance to become Chairman of the works council, I took this as an opportunity to change things for the better.

kp truly is a great employer - where colleagues feel secure and appreciated. But as I mentioned, there is always more work to do.

My Colleagues: my greatest highlight

To be granted the privilege of working closely alongside my colleagues and having the opportunity to support them every day - is indeed the greatest highlight of my work at kp. There is variety and diversity in this work; in the people who come to me, the topics covered and the concerns that are raised. However, I find a common approach works best. I talk to everyone the same way and explain things so that everyone understands. I explain a lot in "pictures", which makes it easier to remember the words.

My proudest achievement?

The fact that I have remained true to myself throughout and there for others, throughout my entire career. It may come as a surprise, but looking back - there was never any planning involved in my kp career. I’ve simply worked out everything myself, conquering hurdles as they arose. Throughout my 36 year career, I have approached every step of the journey intuitively and I wouldn’t have it any other way!