At ipoque, the works council is not just a legal requirement but an active partner that promotes the dialogue between employees and management. In this people story, Robby Aydin lets us in on what it means to be a member of the works council and how employee participation can help foster a positive company culture.
Robby’s dedication to ipoque and the people behind it
Robby has chosen an extraordinary personal path at ipoque: from starting out as a software tester to becoming the chairman of the ipoque works council. His dedication shows how much the company culture at ipoque is shaped by co-determination and active participation. Read the interview to find out why he chose this active role in the works council and how the works council impacts the company culture at ipoque.
Tell us about your journey at ipoque. What has it been like so far?
At the beginning of 2014, I finished my vocational training early, starting my career as a call center agent at Telekom. I first heard about ipoque from a colleague who worked there as a software tester. His recommendation inspired me to apply – and it worked out! That marked the start of my career at ipoque. I didn’t have formal experience in this field. But as a trained IT systems engineer, I have a broad spectrum of IT skills – from setting up DSL accesses, IT administration and programming to installing switching units. In the following ten years, I worked in quality assurance (QA) with focus on embedded QA, contributing significantly to the development of our automated test systems.
“I never planned to work in the software industry, but when the opportunity presented itself, I took it. Looking back, it was one of my best decisions ever.”
– Robby Aydin –
How did you join the works council and what motivated you to take on the chairman position?
In the past, I had made an attempt to set up a works council, but I wasn’t able to complete the process due to personal reasons. When the works council was successfully founded, I immediately threw my hat in the ring. The works council is of fundamental importance to me. Sustainable improvements can only be achieved when people come together and take collective action. In this context, the works council is a key instrument for organizing and representing the interests of employees. When the post of chairman had to be re-elected at the end of 2023, I knew that I wanted to take on the responsibility and run for office.
“I realized that many problems cannot be solved individually, but only by acting together. Having a works council allows us to really bring about change.”
– Robby Aydin –
How would you describe the role of the works council in the company?
The works council ensures that employees’ perspectives and needs are taken into account when important decisions are made. We work closely with our management to create a work environment that supports both the company’s goals and employee well-being. Our work can really make a difference. Historically, many key achievements – such as the 40-hour work week, paid vacation and sick leave – were only made possible through the determined efforts of employees. Like in any company, there are also challenging situations at ipoque from time to time. In these moments, the works council plays a vital role in advocating for employee participation and helps to create a climate of trust.
How does the collaboration with management work?
We have monthly meetings where we openly and constructively speak about all tasks. In between these meetings, we get together to discuss specific topics or upcoming negotiations. Most recently, we developed an outlook for the year 2025, detailing the key issues we would like to tackle together. Our goal is to foster a culture of trust and address challenges through open dialogue — rather than by flooding each other’s inboxes. To that end, we often directly collaborate with our colleagues which were entrusted with certain competencies by the employer, such as Human Resources, Internal Communication or Office Management.
What positive change could the works council effect at ipoque?
Off the top of my head, I can think of two things. One of our biggest achievements was enforcing sick pay and paid leave for our workings students during our first legislative period. I am also proud that we have set up a body that not only works effectively, but also takes into account the specific circumstances of the works councils and is highly valued both within ipoque and throughout Rohde & Schwarz. I’m proud of my team that does an exceptional job despite the double load of day-to-day operations and works council work. Thank you so much!
