#schongenial: What does volunteering mean to you personally?
Othmar Nagl: For me, volunteering is above all a question of attitude. It’s about taking responsibility and actively giving something back. Direct contact with people who need support constantly reminds me of how important reliability and empathy are. At the same time, this commitment broadens one’s own perspective on life.
Professionally, too, I see every day how valuable voluntary work is. Many of our employees volunteer in their spare time – for example, with the fire service, the Red Cross or in clubs. This commitment not only strengthens society, but also inspires me as a manager. Volunteering brings meaning, purpose and gratitude – values that go far beyond the professional sphere.
#schongenial: Was there a key experience that shaped your interest in volunteering?
Othmar Nagl: Yes, it goes back to my childhood. I saw at an early age how much passion people put into brass bands, particularly in training young musicians. That experience had a lasting impact on me.
Later, I took on responsibility myself, for example as the voluntary chairman of the TONART-Friends of the Upper Austrian State Music Schools association. For me, this was a logical continuation of those early impressions – and a chance to give something back.
#schongenial: Where are you currently involved in voluntary work?
Othmar Nagl: I am a board member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Upper Austria. There, I contribute my experience primarily in strategic and organisational matters. Direct interaction with those affected is particularly important to me. It puts many things into perspective and creates a very personal viewpoint.
Furthermore, I am keen to promote volunteering through my professional role as well, for example through partnerships with organisations such as Caritas, Volkshilfe or Cancer Aid. For me, volunteering means taking on responsibility where it has a long-term impact.
#schongenial: Why is volunteering an important part of your corporate culture?
Othmar Nagl: Because it brings our values to life. Responsibility, cohesion and solidarity become tangible through voluntary work. When employees volunteer, it not only strengthens society but also the team spirit within the company.
For us, economic success and social responsibility go hand in hand. That is why we actively encourage this commitment. And because it shows that our employees take on responsibility not only professionally but also personally.
#schongenial: Why does your company support volunteering so strongly?
Othmar Nagl: Because it is essential. In Upper Austria alone, around 2.8 million hours of voluntary work are carried out every week. Without this commitment, many things would not function. Our support goes beyond financial assistance. We want to create a culture in which commitment is valued and made visible. Everyone benefits from this: society, our employees and, ultimately, the company itself.
#schongenial: In which areas is your company particularly active?
Othmar Nagl: One focus is our partnerships with the fire service and the Red Cross. We support initiatives relating to first aid, volunteering and social projects. In doing so, we make a contribution that goes far beyond traditional sponsorship.
At the same time, we promote health and team spirit within the company – for example, by taking part in the ‘Fit Up New Year’s Challenge’, where we won the gold medal this year. Initiatives like this show how closely commitment, health and community are linked.
#schongenial: How do you support employees in practical terms?
Othmar Nagl: We create the right conditions to enable engagement: for example, through flexible working hours. We also encourage employee initiatives and provide financial support for projects.
Exchange is also important to us: employees should be able to showcase their commitment and learn from one another. Because we are convinced that volunteering not only helps society, but also strengthens personal and social skills.
#schongenial: Thank you very much for the inspiring conversation and your commitment.
