People matter
News & Insightspublished on 10/28/24
Skilled professionals are scarce, and demand exceeds supply. IMM Photonics feels this pressure, especially in production and STEM fields. But instead of despairing, this mid-sized technology company has tackled the issue head-on. In our latest article, we explore how IMM Photonics is addressing current challenges and the solutions it has developed.
When we post a job opening, we no longer receive a large volume of applications. And among those we do receive, many incoming applications do not meet our requirements,” says CEO Christian Raith, describing the current situation in the search for new employees. He is aware that he’s not alone in facing this challenge, as numerous other technology companies are competing for highly sought-after talent in STEM fields. Additionally, as a specialist in custom laser solutions, IMM Photonics operates in a true niche market. For Raith and his leadership team, this is a strong incentive to counter the skills shortage through both new and proven approaches.
Three-Round Interviews
Candidates notice a difference from many other companies right at the interview stage. At IMM Photonics, time is taken to get to know applicants thoroughly over three rounds, introduce them to the team, and then hold a final one-on-one conversation. “The feedback is usually extremely positive,” says Raith. He’s even asked new employees later why they chose IMM Photonics. “The answer often was that while we didn’t offer the best package, we made the most effort to connect with them. The appreciation they felt upfront was a key factor—they could see that we genuinely value people.”
Corporate Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity
Once onboard, employees tend to stay. Whether in production in Teisnach or the office in Unterschleißheim, employees at IMM Photonics stay on average for around 13 years. Even longer tenures of 25 years or more are not uncommon. Another indicator of high satisfaction and loyalty is that, despite having the option to work remotely, the Unterschleißheim office is far from empty. Some even make one-and-a-half-hour commutes to work in person with their colleagues. When asked why his employees enjoy working there so much, Raith humbly credits the company’s 25-year corporate culture, which has developed naturally over time. However, he and his leadership team actively work to modernize the culture. They are moving toward a company-wide informal “you,” foster open, level-based communication, organize joint events and excursions, and provide ample opportunities for involvement and growth.
Promoting Openness and Engagement
For a company like IMM Photonics, which continually explores new avenues and develops unique products, it’s essential to create space for creativity and exchange. Both in Unterschleißheim and Teisnach, there’s a shared understanding that conversations at the coffee machine are sometimes more important than those at the conference table. IMM Photonics places great emphasis on personal responsibility and an open, constructive approach to mistakes. “Let’s be realistic: we’ve learned the most from our mistakes. I think that’s something everyone can say about themselves. What matters is drawing lessons from them and emerging stronger,” says Raith. Original ideas and initiatives are encouraged, and everyone is invited to contribute to sustainability efforts—new suggestions are always welcome.
Generational Transition—Planned Over Years
However, the long tenures mentioned above also pose challenges for IMM Photonics. The leadership team is aware that the upcoming generational shift could impact the company significantly if not adequately prepared. To address this, IMM Photonics has created a multi-year program. Each new hire, for example, is paired with an individual mentor, which not only helps them integrate into the company but also proactively facilitates knowledge transfer. Additionally, IMM Photonics invests in its own training programs, expanding beyond business roles to include technical training starting in 2026. “By training employees in technical fields, we can qualify specialists precisely for our needs, reducing the necessity of external hires and cutting both onboarding costs and the risk of mismatched roles,” emphasizes the CEO.
Through partnerships, we aim to connect with others, encourage knowledge exchange, and, of course, introduce young scientists early on to IMM Photonics as a potential employer.
Training Down to the Last Detail
Even when well-trained professionals are hired, the existing team invests a lot of time in internal training and development. For instance, developers come from various fields, such as optics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. ‘Despite their excellent foundational training, new hires very rarely come with exactly the expertise we’re looking for. This means they specialize with us in the area where we need them,’ says CTO Marcus Gögelein. The same applies to the production roles in Teisnach.
Chief Operating Officer Christian Pritzl confirms: “We often spend half a year or more training new employees because the high level of dexterity and expertise required here can’t be found off the shelf.” Beyond this patient and intensive onboarding, IMM Photonics supports individual career paths and offers ongoing development opportunities. These range from language courses and additional training, such as safety specialist certifications, to support for further academic studies.
Attractive Employers are Flexible Employers
A significant challenge, especially for younger employees, is balancing family and work life. IMM Photonics therefore places high value on flexibility in scheduling: “We have 60 people with 30 different work schedules,” CEO Raith chuckles. “In our Teisnach production facility, some start at 6 a.m., while here in Unterschleißheim, some begin at 10 a.m. Employees with children might work in the morning, take a break, and continue in the evening—whether from home or on-site. All of this is possible.”
Helping Save a Piece of the World
Looking forward, IMM Photonics aims to enhance its collaboration with universities, particularly with professors in relevant fields. When asked why he would recommend IMM Photonics to young graduates, CEO Raith doesn’t hesitate: “Because they will find a truly exciting work environment here, where they enjoy a lot of freedom, can contribute significantly, and create something truly new. While we may be just one small cog in the machine of innovative solutions for medicine, bioanalysis, data transmission, or measurement technology, our components contribute a bit toward making the world a better place.
