Employer Attractiveness in Focus – Sustainable Solutions for SMEs

When people hear “sustainability,” they usually think of environmental protection. But sustainability also plays a key role in business management: How can working conditions be made sustainably attractive? And how can SMEs enhance their appeal as employers?

A Conversation About Possibilities

Alexander Heidenfelder, Head of Corporate Services at PCT Austria GmbH, shares his insights. Based in Thalgau, the company specializes in innovative construction chemical products. PCT also provides training for professional floor layers and ensures quality and safety in the screed trade. The company employs eleven people—two women and nine men—across three departments.

For Heidenfelder, a positive work environment is key to long-term employee retention: “We focus on clear structures, personal responsibility, and a climate in which everyone feels comfortable.” Motivated employees, he says, are essential for satisfied customers—and therefore for business success.
He sees open communication as a clear sign of employee satisfaction: “Our team speaks up about what’s going well and what could be improved—and we value that.” A strong sense of teamwork, solution-oriented thinking, and commitment are seen as important indicators. Challenges are addressed through dialogue, and employees are encouraged to bring up issues at any time.

Remaining an Attractive Employer

Short decision-making processes, flat hierarchies, and a high level of personal responsibility make PCT Austria an attractive employer. The company’s low staff turnover confirms that this approach is working. As a next step, PCT is planning a carefully considered employer branding strategy—tailored to the size of the company.

A concrete example of the short decision-making paths at PCT Austria: One employee proposed an internal training format. Just a few days passed between the initial idea and its implementation. Thanks to direct communication with the department head, content and scheduling were quickly coordinated—a benefit that employees truly appreciate.

The Magic Word Appreciation

As an SME, PCT Austria offers new employees a personal and straightforward preboarding and onboarding experience—without lengthy processes. This saves time and makes integration easier.
“We’re close to our employees,” Heidenfelder emphasizes. Investments in modern equipment and targeted professional development reflect this commitment. At the heart of it all is appreciation: employees are not seen as resources, but as people.
“A fruit basket, yogurt and muesli, team celebrations, company outings, training opportunities, JobRad leasing, and modern tools like high-end laptops or premium company cars—these things are a given for us.” Diversity, equality, and mutual respect are also core values.

Appreciation is reflected in communication, too: owner Jürgen Seebacher is personally approachable at meetings and company events. The three department heads are in daily contact with their teams. The Corporate Services team always has an open ear for all concerns—built on mutual trust.
Heidenfelder is also responsible for HR matters. He dedicates around five hours a week to topics like recruiting, corporate culture, and employee development discussions—supported by a colleague.

Work Life Balance

Finding the right balance between work and personal life isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. Trust, clear communication, and reliability are key—especially from leadership. “Our managers see themselves as supporters of their teams,” says Heidenfelder. Those who actively contribute are given room to shape their work. It becomes more challenging when someone doesn’t fit the team or prefers to avoid change—in those cases, open dialogue is crucial.

Two examples: The JobRad program was introduced at the request of the staff. And one employee is currently organizing a PCT family event in collaboration with colleagues and management. Despite many initiatives, one thing matters most: openness to new ideas. It keeps a company flexible and ready for the future.

Many thanks to Alexander Heidenfelder for sharing his insights.