„In five years“ time, we’ll be celebrating my 25th anniversary, and then I’ll be retiring from SYNERGIE."

On 19 September 1996, Leonid Kinsvater was at SYNERGIE in Karlsruhe his first day at work. That was 20 years ago, and a lot has changed since then: the Baden-based recruitment agency, which used to have two offices in Pforzheim and Karlsruhe, has grown into a nationwide company with offices throughout southern Germany. There have been numerous legislative reforms in the temporary agency sector, a collective agreement has been introduced, and sector-specific surcharges have been implemented. But one thing has remained unchanged over the last 20 years: Leonid Kinsvater carries out his work reliably, whilst always remaining friendly and positive.

„I’ve always got on well with people“

Now aged 56, the electrical engineer has already supported many companies with his expertise during his time at SYNERGIE. There have been over 40 of them – so many, in fact, that SYNERGIE’s managing director, Nicole Munk, needs a cheat sheet when she looks back on the past two decades with the honouree at his celebration. From one-day assignments, Installation on building sites Everything is covered, right through to long-term projects. He usually got on well with his colleagues in the permanent workforce quite quickly, according to Kinsvater, who played badminton regularly for years: „It’s easy among sportspeople – you quickly find something to talk about.“

Planned maximum assignment duration is detrimental to staff and companies

Kinsvater has been in his current role for several years now and feels very much at home there. However, he is also following the debate surrounding the planned maximum assignment period with a critical eye: „If everything is going well, you’ve settled in nicely and get on well with your colleagues, why should you be taken out of a company?“ asks the experienced electrical engineer.

„The host company is also very satisfied with Mr Kinsvater and his work,“ says Volker Knittel, branch manager at SYNERGIE in Karlsruhe. „In this case, we have achieved our goal of placing the right employee with the right company 100 per cent.“ Nicole Munk adds: „It would be a shame if such success stories were no longer possible due to legal requirements that are out of touch with reality, such as those envisaged in the current reform of the Temporary Employment Act (AÜG).“ In practice, sought-after specialists with extensive knowledge – and, where necessary, a corresponding induction period – are often required for a project for longer than the planned 18 months.

A reason to celebrate: „I’m retiring with SYNERGIE“

Meanwhile, Leonid Kinsvater (pictured centre) raises a glass with his colleagues to celebrate the past 20 years and is delighted with his anniversary gifts. “We’re delighted to have had such a wonderful colleague as you, Mr Kinsvater, with us for so many years,” says Nicole Munk (pictured: right) during a small celebration.

And there are two more people who have reason to celebrate: Kinsvater’s wife, to whom the honouree will pass on his bouquet, and branch manager Volker Knittel (pictured left), who will continue to have a loyal, reliable, skilled and dedicated colleague in his team in the form of Leonid Kinsvater.

After all, the man celebrating his anniversary is saying goodbye „until the next anniversary in five years“ time” – he’d like to celebrate that one before he retires with SYNERGIE.

Thank you very much for your fantastic commitment, Mr Kinsvater! We look forward to working with you for at least the next five years!