Honor for long-time employees: Chemnitz University of Technology celebrates loyal colleagues!

Honor for long-time employees: Chemnitz University of Technology celebrates loyal colleagues!

On September 2, 2025, a celebratory ceremony took place at Chemnitz University of Technology, where ten employees were recognized for their many years of service. This tradition underscores the University’s commitment to valuing and honoring its loyal employees. The Chancellor of Chemnitz University of Technology, Peter Bernshausen, presented the honorees with certificates of gratitude and emphasized the appreciation that the university has for their contribution to development in recent years. The event is a testament to the importance of loyalty and commitment to public service.

The employees who were honored on this day had 25 or 40 years of service at the university or in the public service. Those honored include Lars Gebhardt, teacher at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and Prof. Dr. Michael Groß, holder of the Chair of Technical Mechanics/Dynamics at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. IT employee Andreas Heik and secretary Peggy Janich were also mentioned.

The honorees in detail

• Lars Gebhardt, Lehrmeister an der Fakultät für Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik
• Prof. Dr. Michael Groß, Inhaber der Professur Technische Mechanik/Dynamik an der Fakultät für Maschinenbau
• Andreas Heik, IT-Angestellter im Universitätsrechenzentrum
• Peggy Janich, Sekretärin an der Fakultät für Maschinenbau
• Karla Kebsch, Dekanatsrätin der Philosophischen Fakultät
• Madlen Köhler, Sekretärin an der Fakultät für Wirtschaftswissenschaften
• Ines Koschinski, Mechanikerin in der Werkstatt der Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften
• Jacqueline Lindner, Dispatcherin im Fakultätsrechen- und Informationszentrum der Fakultät für Informatik
• Martina Lorenz, Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin der Professur Strukturleichtbau und Kunststoffverarbeitung an der Fakultät für Maschinenbau
• Prof. Dr. Jochen Mayerl, Inhaber der Professur Soziologie mit Schwerpunkt Empirische Sozialforschung an der Fakultät für Human- und Sozialwissenschaften

As part of the recognition, employees covered by collective agreements receive anniversary bonuses and a certificate of thanks after 25 and 40 years of service. Civil servants who have completed 25, 40 and 50 years of service can look forward to an anniversary bonus and a certificate of gratitude. Part-time employees are also entitled to the full anniversary bonus, which shows that the university values ​​fair recognition.

Such celebrations are not only important events in company politics, but also promote team cohesion. Such anniversaries have long since become more than just celebrations; they are an expression of respect for the members of the team. In this context, the correct approach is crucial. Sayings and quotes can reinforce the importance of appreciation. Simple, positive messages are often most effective, such as: "Your contribution has shaped and inspired our team. On our anniversary, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts!" [Raab-Verlag] shows how important it is to also integrate future-oriented ideas.

Appreciation and employee loyalty

There is also the question of how the recognition of service anniversaries should be structured in order to value all employees, including younger ones. One approach that [WEKA] recommends is a linearly controlled recognition that is designed independently of the length of service. The focus should be on promoting loyalty among younger employees. An analysis of financial incentives shows that some of them are designed disproportionately for long-term employees. According to the findings, this practice makes little sense from a personnel policy perspective because it disadvantages younger talent.

The honors at Chemnitz University of Technology are therefore not just celebrations, but also a step towards a more inclusive corporate culture. The university is clearly showing that it values ​​the loyalty and commitment of all employees and wants to continue pursuing this trend.

The recent ceremony highlighted that gratitude and recognition are essential components of a successful work environment. These measures lay the foundation for better employee retention - a goal that is becoming more important than ever in today's working world.