Shift change on September 24, 2026, at the Grömitz Tourism Service: Three employees from “Die Ostholsteiner” discover new work environments

Switching jobs for a day, learning about new tasks, and experiencing the daily work routine from a different perspective: The Grömitz Tourism Service is also participating in the nationwide “Shift Change” event on September 24, 2026. Three employees from Die Ostholsteiner gGmbH in Oldenburg in Holstein will be visiting and will gain firsthand insight into the diverse range of tasks handled by the Grömitz Tourism Service.

The “Shift Change” event brings together people with and without disabilities and creates opportunities for interaction and new perspectives on work. Employees from workshops and other facilities get to know companies in the general labor market and can experience new career fields and work processes there. At the same time, employees of the participating companies have the opportunity to learn about the work environment in these workshops.

In Grömitz, the three participants decided for themselves in which areas they would like to spend their workday. Two employees will assist at the tourism service’s maintenance yard, while another will work at the tourist information office. This will allow them to experience very different aspects of everyday work in the tourism industry—from hands-on tasks and maintaining tourism infrastructure to advising and assisting guests.

“We’re very pleased that we’re able to organize the shift change this year together with ‘Die Ostholsteiner.’ It’s precisely this direct exchange that makes the event so valuable. Our three guests will have the chance to tour their chosen work area and experience firsthand the daily tasks performed there,” says Manfred Wohnrade, operations manager at Tourismus-Service Grömitz. “At the same time, it’s also a great opportunity for our employees to meet new people, share experiences, and view their own daily work from a different perspective.”

For Dr. Mahr, managing director of Die Ostholsteiner, this change of perspective is also key: “The shift swap offers an opportunity to get to know one another and experience what work in different areas is like. It’s especially encouraging that our employees were able to decide for themselves which tasks and workstations they’d like to experience. This fosters an exchange among equals—in a very practical way and without any reservations.”

For the three employees, this isn’t just about observing. They are expected to participate as directly as possible in day-to-day work, ask questions, learn about various tasks, and gain their own experiences. The tourism service provides them with insights into different areas of work and welcomes them as part of the team for the day.

“Schichtwechsel” will take place nationwide for the eighth time in 2026. The goal of this day of action is to bring people with and without disabilities together through the unifying theme of work, to open up new perspectives, and to break down prejudices and reservations. About 330 organizations had already registered for the 2026 event in advance.

For the Grömitz Tourism Service, participation is therefore more than just a one-day job swap: The shift swap fosters encounters, sheds light on different work environments, and demonstrates how participation in working life can be a natural part of everyday life. This change of perspective is not meant to be a one-way street: The Grömitz Tourism Service will also visit the people of East Holstein on another day to get a taste of their daily work routine, learn about various tasks, and continue the exchange.