Scandal at Diakonie: layoffs and new beginnings in Friedrichshafen!

Scandal at Diakonie: layoffs and new beginnings in Friedrichshafen!

In the last few weeks, the Diakonie's addiction help service in the Lake Constance district has been making a name for itself, as a completely new beginning is emerging. Rumors of numerous layoffs have been confirmed and are casting a shadow over the previously so committed institution. Schwäbische.de reports that Pastor Ralf Brennecke, managing director of the Diakonisches Werk Oberschwaben Allgäu Bodensee, is now looking for additional employees. This new beginning is particularly characterized by the need for new team leadership.

Since 2006, Diakonie has been committed to providing psychosocial care for addicts in the Lake Constance district. But after the resignations of numerous psychologists and social workers, the team in Friedrichshafen and Überlingen is severely weakened. Many employees left the organization by early summer, not least due to dissatisfaction with the team leader, who has been in office since November 2022.

Working atmosphere and team structure

Ex-employees report an intolerable working atmosphere and an overwhelmed management. Frustration has led to massive staff reductions in the workforce, and new approaches must now be taken. Diakonie and the former team leader have agreed to terminate the employment relationship, which enables an urgently needed realignment.

The counseling centers are currently facing challenges: Outpatient rehabilitation is temporarily unavailable, which means that clients have to travel to neighboring counties to receive help. These clients urgently need support from the PSB advisors, who are responsible for around 1,800 people. In addition, group offers such as the Rainbow Kids for children from troubled families have been suspended for some time, while a decision on financing is still pending.

Future prospects

But there are also bright spots: Brennecke is optimistic and sees the situation as an opportunity for a fresh start. Most of the positions have already been filled, but the search for additional consultants and new management is ongoing. Ultimately, the team will consist of around 15 people, many of them part-time. To support this change, the state has increased the subsidy per full-time position from 19,000 euros to 25,000 euros. This could help to mobilize the necessary financial resources for a strong team.

In this context, improving communication between employees and management is also a central concern. Brennecke has already initiated measures to restore trust within the team.

Addiction counseling in the Lake Constance district

The counseling services provided by PSB Diakonie are of great importance for those affected, relatives and interested parties. The offer includes comprehensive information and advice on various addictive substances such as alcohol, illegal drugs and also non-substance-related addictions such as gambling addiction or eating disorders. The consultations are free of charge and are subject to confidentiality, which offers those affected a trustworthy contact point Bodenseekreis.de.

The German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) also deals with the topic of “addiction in the workplace” and supports companies in establishing an effective help system for addicts. This is particularly important because the operational sector plays a central role in the early detection and intervention of addiction problems DHS.de.

It remains exciting to see how the situation at the Diakonie in the Lake Constance district will develop. However, the signs point to a new beginning - perhaps the beginning of a successful turnaround in addiction help in the region.