Shift plan reform in chemical plant POLYFELT as precondition knowledge management between generations

Abstract In the chemical plant POLYFELT in Linz/Austria, a shift plan reform was implemented as a precondition for a strategic knowledge management program which aimed at transferring the implicit knowledge of the elder generation to the younger one. This shift plan reform with overall working time and night work reduction was supposed to provide better work ability, work interest and maintenance at work made possible by less exhaustion, better regeneration by sleep, higher degree of satisfaction with private life. These effects were achieved by the shift plan reform and the personnel development measures.