Interne News
The 15th Network 41 “Futuretalk” was about changes, at a thematic and personal level.
Pius Krummenacher, Chairman of the Board of Directors, has stood on the podium fourteen times to host the traditional Network 41 client and partner event “Futuretalk” to greet the guests and report on the company’s latest news. At the fifteenth event this year, Pius Krummenacher greeted the guests together with his son. It is common knowledge that the founders and owners of the Network 41 Group,
Pius und Martina Krummenacher, handed the company over to their children Fabio and Leandra at the start of the year. Since 1 February 2019, Network 41 has also had a new Executive Board with Fabio Krummenacher as the new CEO.
The subject of “change” was thus most apt for this year’s event. Nonetheless: “I still haven't fully processed the generational change on an emotional level”, admits Pius Krummenacher in response to a question by moderator Sascha Ruefer. “I haven’t been able to fully let go yet. I’m still there behind the scenes, although I am trying to keep any interference with the new management to a minimum.”
The new CEO, Fabio Krummenacher, enthused: “I've received a positive reception from the employees. They see we are facing the future together and that the company’s values remain intact.” To him those values mean first and foremost: open communication, flat hierarchies, short decision-making channels and a genuine SME spirit.
Fabio Krummenacher wants to strengthen communication through new methods and media, such as video messages.
The second part of the event was dedicated to sport and the media. The former sports editor and TV moderator Matthias Hüppi, current Chairman of FC St. Gallen football club, and Claudia Lässer, Programme Director of Teleclub Sport, answered questions from Sascha Ruefer. As an insider, he knew the full picture and was therefore able to tease some interesting details from his two interlocutors.
Matthias Hüppi talked about the “change” involved in moving from the TV to take charge of a football club. He hasn't for one second regretted his decision to embark again on a new project at the age of 60. At the same time: “change isn't always enjoyable, it can also be scary”, concedes Hüppi. “But I don't miss the television. I moved on from it quite quickly. I’m a critical television consumer these days.”
As for Claudia Lässer, she seems to have no issues with change. She has taken part in beauty contests and worked as a model, primary school teacher, presenter and moderator. She had her own TV production company until she joined subscription channel Teleclub in 2012, where she quickly rose to the position of programme manager for sport. TV sport departments tend to be a male preserve. “My male colleagues didn't really accept me to begin with”, she said. “But I grew into the role over time.”
Conclusion: change always comes with opportunity. You just have to make the most of it.
Witty, vibrant and informative. Network 41's "Futuretalk" once again provided excellent entertainment this year – an ideal platform for an exchange of ideas.
Digitalisation is changing the world of work, the economy and society itself at a breakneck speed. It offers new possibilities that some engage with enthusiastically but others reject. Guest speaker Felix Kamer, Vice President of Huawei Switzerland, put it like this: "The digital revolution has arrived in the real world. Our world and our environment are becoming intelligent. This gives us a whole new range of possibilities." The examples he mentioned included new methods of payment via smartphone, the sharing economy, increased efficiency in day-to-day life and the price transparency offered by online shopping.
Felix Kamer is worried that Europe and Switzerland are falling increasingly behind as this development progresses. "The USA and China are a long way ahead of us," he explained. "Key factors in terms of achieving success with digitalisation are a good infrastructure, the right regulatory measures and excellence in education. We have to do better in all these areas. The basic technology is also developing very dynamically."
Into the future with optimism
This was of course the perfect cue for Chairman of the Board of Directors Pius Krummenacher and CEO Stefan Furch. "There's still enormous potential for us – we have plenty of room for development," said Stefan Furch. "We're open to change – and that's something we've demonstrated over the course of the year." On the subject of education, he said: "We like to employ young staff and we train them ourselves. There are currently more than 20 trainees on our workforce." Both Pius Krummenacher and Stefan Furch are very optimistic about the future.
Beni – a national treasure
A more sceptical attitude towards new technology was expressed by former TV sports reporter Beni Thurnheer. The celebrity guest was interviewed by sports presenter Michelle Schönbächler. Both were highly eloquent, with Beni Thurnheer displaying his usual sense of humour. "Will ongoing improvement and increasing efficiency in all areas of life make us happier?" he asked. "Is life a competition? Do you win if you're richer than the next person when you die?"
At the drinks reception in Businesspark Sursee, the approximately 200 guests then had the opportunity to discuss all these ideas in detail – to the music of pianist Marcel Schäfer.
An atmosphere to die for at the Network 41 Christmas dinner
At the beginning of December, Network 41 invited all its staff with their partners to a Christmas dinner at Schloss Wyher. Many took up the invitation: was it the moated castle that attracted them – or the prospect of solving a crime at a whodunnit diner?
Even the invitation required staff to solve a puzzle: to find out where the party would take place. Fine aperitifs were served among fragrant pine trees in the festively illuminated courtyard, and it was only the news of a murder that slightly marred the Christmas mood.
From then on it was all down to teamwork as the whodunnit dinner team provided each table with clues. Discussions intensified as the case became increasingly puzzling. Who could the murderer be?
Before dessert was served, Executive Board Chairman Pius Krummenacher and CEO Stefan Furch took over to present a retrospect of business activities as well as a look ahead to the future. They also thanked staff and those celebrating anniversaries for their excellent work and loyalty: “It is only thanks to the work and dedication of each individual that Network 41 is able to cope with fresh challenges on an ongoing basis.”
After the delicious dessert one team really did manage to expose the perpetrator, and the successful Christmas dinner was brought to an end with a spectacular fire show.
Network 41 teamwork cracks even the trickiest cases.
Once again this October, the 22 Network 41 trainees were invited with their trainers and members of the management board to take part in a special event. With bowling as the main activity, the focus was on team spirit, sporting dexterity and social skills.
Will everything turn out all right? Have we remembered everything? I wonder what the others are like who I haven’t met yet? Do we have to win? This was probably the kind of question running through the minds of some of the Network 41 trainees. The youngsters were cheerful but a little nervous as they came together from all over Switzerland for their annual outing, which they organised themselves this year.
After a nice introductory drink at Sursee Bowling Centre, the friendly contest got underway with mixed teams made up of members from different sites. There was certainly never a dull moment because apart from keeping count of the points, everyone had plenty of time to get to know each other, too - whether electrical planners, installation electricians, administration assistants, electricians, powerline electricians, mediamaticians or telematics technicians. While the focus was on having a good time, there was a hard-fought battle for first place, and the winners were celebrated in style when it was all over.
The 2016 trainee event was a resounding success - and a big thank-you goes to the organising team for their excellent work!
The Network 41 trainees don't just get the bowling balls rolling!
the Network 41 summer party
Every year in the summer, Network 41 employees are invited along. This year, staff were welcomed to a big party at the «Seeland» restaurant on Lake Sempach. There were lots of reasons to celebrate: being awarded the special prize of the «Prix SVC Zentralschweiz» award ceremony as well as the retirement of Bujupi Kamer after 39 years of collaboration.
Network 41 has already held parties at the Seeland restaurant on Lake Sempach in other years – many other years in fact! Was it coincidence or pinpoint planning that resulted in this year’s summer party falling on the one sunny day we’ve had in several weeks? In any case, the beams of sunlight matched the radiant faces of the Network 41 team. They certainly had every reason to celebrate:
A few days before, Network 41 received the special prize at the «Prix SVC Zentralschweiz» award ceremony. A magnificent honour – nominated from over 90 Central-Switzerland companies, Network 41 was one of the six finalists. Stefan Furch, CEO, impressionably described the path the company took to achieve this, focusing on how he felt. “In addition to tradition and innovation, we have only been able to achieve this thanks to our motivated and well-trained employees”, stressed Stefan Furch.
After 39 working years, Pius Krummenacher, Chairman of the Executive Board, bid Bujupi Kamer farewell on his retirement and thanked him for his loyalty and many years of service with numerous rounds of the popular song «Weisch no?» He had already worked with the father of today’s chairman of the executive board as a construction worker and experienced highs and lows as well as the constant growth of Network 41.
In addition to the fantastic weather at the lovely drinks reception, everyone was delighted by the wonderful barbecue and ice cream – a big compliment goes to the Seeland restaurant on Lake Sempach. The celebration demonstrated that the team isn’t only innovative and doesn’t just take a bold approach in working life, as during the party employees created and sampled beverages with the wild name «washing machine» and committed to trying new and adventurous types of sport such as dragon boat racing. Long may it continue!
Network 41 – may the company head into the future with great ideas and a bold approach!
Network 41 staff pursue professional development online
Network 41 is now making use of electronic professional modules for web-based training (WBT). Skills which could previously only be learned on the job can now be acquired online via WBT. This means that Network 41 staff can update their knowledge quickly and simply.
The training programmes are compiled by well-qualified specialists at Network 41 - the ‘old hands’. In this way, individually tailored modules are created that are precisely geared to further training needs, indicating the work stages required for the various activities.
One particular advantage of these training programmes is that the content can quickly be updated, taking into account technical advancements, new safety guidelines or altered quality standards for example.
The training programmes can even be accessed via smartphone, so staff of Network 41 or partner companies can engage in professional development at any time – wherever they happen to be. Short texts and photographic illustrations or videos ensure a successful learning process. The system also includes questions to make sure the training programme has been successfully completed.
A total of more than 350 WBT certificates issued indicates to what extent Network 41 staff have updated their professional skills in the course of the last two years.
Network 41 – always one step ahead when it comes to professional expertise!
Network 41 draws on tradition as it leads the way into the future
Tradition was the buzzword at the 12th Futuretalk, attended by more than 100 Network 41 customers and partners. Sascha Ruefer was the evening’s perfect host, while guests of honour included current wresting champion Matthias Sempach as well as Yassin Fischer, who was runner-up in the world championship for plastering.
Our hosts and guests of honour were in full agreement with Pius Krummenacher, Chairman of the Network 41 Supervisory Board, when he said: «Tradition means knowing where you come from. This is what gives us our basis of trust and assurance to keep moving forward.» The notion was likewise acknowledged by Stefan Furch, CEO of Network 41, who added: «It is this trust that enables us to take on very large-scale projects for our customers all over Switzerland. And since we combine tradition with progress, we take care to promote talented individuals and ensure our specialists are provided with ongoing professional development.»
When asked by Sascha Ruefer about progress in the sport of wrestling, Matthias Sempach said: «In traditional wrestling it's the same: you can only make it to the top if you keep your mind open to new forms of training. You also have to be prepared to focus hard on your goals.» Yassin Fischer agreed: «It was only by having a clear goal in mind, keeping up constant practice to the point of perfection and maintaining a strong will that I was able to win the medal in Brazil.»
The 12th Futuretalk also featured music by Franziska Wigger with her trio and was concluded with the traditional aperitif, at which delicacies from the Entlebuch biosphere reserve were served.
Network 41 combines tradition and progress!
Network 41 staff faced up to the Campus Sursee challenge
Every summer, Network 41 staff are invited to take part in a group activity. This year the location was Campus Sursee, where they were called upon to take on a «Building Challenge». Organised into teams comprising a cross-section of the various sites and occupational groups, staff had to tackle a diverse range of assignments. The high temperatures and challenging tasks required athleticism, skill and intellectual power, helping to forge bonds within the teams and inspiring many to achieve outstanding results.
For around the three hours, the Campus Sursee event team had Network 41 colleagues running from station to station as they set about tackling the Building Challenge: excavating, constructing formwork and reinforcements, installing drainage pipes, throwing cobblestones, reading structural plans and acting out mime. There were office workers who were good at excavating, copper splicers with tremendous stone-throwing accuracy and shy individuals who turned out to be superb mime artists. In fact there was something for everybody – new talent was discovered and ambitions were aroused. During the course of the day lots of staff got to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere and came to appreciate the new facets they discovered in their colleagues, while many a work issue was resolved swiftly and informally.
After the trials and tribulations of the Building Challenge, the teams enjoyed refreshments on Terrazza Luegisland. Campus Sursee barbecue delights and other dishes ensured a satisfying and relaxing evening – as did the Entlebuch beer. The convivial gathering went on until the sun disappeared beyond the horizon.
Network 41 tackles challenges in an informal, team-oriented manner across its various sites.
Network 41 AG and Haldemann Planer AG reinforce their longstanding and successful cooperation. Pius Krummenacher of Network 41 AG has acquired a minority share in Haldemann Planer AG and takes a seat on the supervisory board. The company Haldemann Planer AG carries out planning and projection for infrastructure facilities in the areas of telecommunications, industry and commerce.
Aim of the holding. Haldemann Planer AG will continue to be run by managing director and proprietor Bruno Haldemann, and he is pleased to take on Pius Krummenacher as a sparring partner on the supervisory board, as someone with longstanding experience in the telecommunications sector. In taking this step, Bruno Haldemann aims to intensify the partnership with Network 41, and he sees it as an excellent range expansion due to the different specialist areas of the two companies. The two companies will be excellently positioned to advance further, and the Lucerne-Bern connection will throw up fresh opportunities on the market, too.
Pius Krummenacher sees the situation exactly the same way, adding that the mentalities of Bern and Lucerne complement each other well - a sound formula for longstanding and successful collaboration. Stefan Furch also notes that this handshake significantly strengthens Network 41’s expertise in the area of engineering and project management. The foundation is thus laid for further development, and Haldemann Planer AG now has the chance to assert itself as a niche provider, while Network 41 can further expand its sites in Bern and Western Switzerland.
Handshake for the future. With Lucerne’s innovative flair, Bern's quality and the shared expertise of both sides, we are well equipped to tackle the challenges posed by the telecommunications sector.
Network 41 staff lined up for the start of the Lucerne city run for the second time this year – very much in keeping with the motto «Running is exercise and exercise is life». Participating in the run is part of the health programme “Puls 41”. Professional training sessions given by longstanding sponsorship partner Hochschulsport Campus Luzern (HSCL) ensured the team got off to an optimum start.
Healthy, well-balanced staff members are the most important asset of a successful company. Based on this premise, Network 41 established the health programme Puls 41 to focus on the areas of health, workplace design, work-life balance exercise and nutrition. This year, staff of all age categories and occupational groups took part in the 3.28 km run for the second time.
Cheered on by colleagues and family, Network 41 finished in an outstanding 23rd position out of 121 participating companies. Was this a result of the training sessions under the expert guidance of Lucerne university sports instructors? Or was it the fact that the emphasis here was on team effort and simply getting involved? Probably both! Anyway there were certainly lots of happy, beaming faces all round – so Network 41 will be in on the action once again at next city run in 2016.
Puls 41 at Network 41 – keeping everyone on the move and in good shape!
The environment has long been important to Network 41 AG, which is why we have decided to set a new example by introducing the ISO 14011 standard. We are very concerned to ensure that the following points are observed and continuously improved upon so that we can make our contribution to the environment:
___ Leadership: We are committed to environmentally compatible business operations and we make the necessary means and structures available for this purpose.
___ Saving resources: We work with a modern, resource-saving infrastructure, and in terms of power procurement we give preference to partners who operate according to ecological principles.
___ Involving partners: We involve our partners in our environmental process along the entire value creation chain.
___ Customers: We are committed to striking a careful balance between the environmental compatibility of measures and their economic feasibility from our customers’ perspective.
___ Motivating and training staff: We promote environmental awareness among our staff as well as a knowledge and understanding of the environment. By means of open communication we motivate them to act in an environmentally sound manner.
___ Law: We meet the legal requirements and we are committed to subjecting our activities to the appropriate environmental standards.
___ Creating transparency / communication: We cultivate a climate of openness and dialogue. We provide regular information on our environmental activities in our sustainability reports. Based on the existing data management system, key performance indicators are provided to show the environmental situation and how it is developing.
___ Appeal for ongoing improvement: We call on our staff to be proactive in helping to continuously adapt our standards to meet environmental needs.
As part of the health programme PULS41, Network 41 took part in the category «City Runners» in this year’s Lucerne run. 57 staff ran the 3.28 kilometres through Lucerne – in spite of grim weather.
What is PULS41?
The health concept PULS41 launched in 2013 aims to achieve a 10% reduction in the number of absences at Network 41 caused by work accidents, other accidents and sick days. In order to achieve this, a four-year programme was developed in collaboration with Suva. The individual yearly focus areas aim to help people gain a better perception of their own bodies, and signing up for the Lucerne run in the category «City Runners» was a first step in this direction. Network 41 entered a total of 57 runners – the third largest group in the category.
The preparation
In terms of sporty expertise, Network 41 found an ideal partner to implement PULS41: Patrick Udvardi, Director of Hochschulsport Campus Luzern. He and his team developed a three-part training programme made up of various units in which runners were shown how to adopt a correct, healthy running style. Improvement potential was quickly identified and motivation grew from one training session to the next.
The run
After the group warm-up and the final tactical brief, the starting signal sounded punctually at 5.51 pm. The crowd’s cheers and the runners’ own aspirations motivated each individual to give of their very best. No doubt physical self-perception got off to a good start, but it was the sense of pleasure and pride in the team’s achievement that dominated the subsequent evening meal. Having finished in 35th position with an outstanding overall time of 1:11.43.2, Network 41 staff demonstrated that they are one step ahead not just in the telecommunications sector but in terms of their sporting prowess, too.
