Werner von Siemens:
The patriarch
Werner von Siemens’ life is a prime example of
how business success can go hand-in-hand with
social responsibility. At an early stage, Siemens
enabled his employees to share in his company’s
profits ‒ thus laying the basis for a company culture
that encouraged every member of the workforce
to do his or her best in order to contribute to the
company’s long-term success.
“The interest of the group embodies
a higher law that must take precedence
over individual interests.”
Werner von Siemens, 1863
A strong sense of family
After the early death of his parents, Werner von Siemens
supervises the upbringing and education of his siblings
who are still minors. Throughout his life, his family
values and sense of responsibility greatly influence his
business dealings.
Werner von Siemens with his sister and his brothers, 1851
Werner von Siemens with all his children, ca. 1876.
On the right is his second wife, Antonie, whom he
married in 1869 after the death of his first wife.
Family members in
positions of leadership
For Werner von Siemens, the company is inseparable
from his family. His brothers and sons make substantial contributions to Siemens & Halske’s successful
development.
Sir William Siemens, the brother of the company founder,
moves to England in 1844. Seven years younger than Werner,
he is appointed to head the new Siemens & Halske sales office
in London in 1850.
Carl von Siemens joins Siemens & Halske in 1849.
He distinguishes himself primarily by his entrepreneurial
commitment in Russia. When Werner von Siemens officially
withdraws from the company in 1890, Carl ‒ with his two
nephews Arnold and Wilhelm von Siemens ‒ assumes the
management.
Arnold, Werner von Siemens’ eldest son, joins the management
of Siemens & Halske as a co-owner in 1882 after gaining substantial business experience in Germany and abroad. He becomes
a general partner in 1890.
Wilhelm von Siemens, the company founder’s second son, joins
Siemens & Halske after completing his university studies in the
natural sciences in 1879. He becomes a co-owner in 1884 and
a general partner in 1890.
Sir William
Siemens, ca. 1847
Carl von Siemens,
ca. 1860
Arnold von
Siemens,1880
Wilhelm von
Siemens, 1878
Balancing company
and employee interests
In his personnel and social policies, Werner von Siemens
pursues two goals:
1. To improve the social position of his employees
2. To retain skilled workers
“It was not just humanity, but rather
healthy egoism, that led us to form
the [pension] fund.”
Werner von Siemens, 1875
Employees at Siemens & Halske‘s factory on Markgrafenstraße in
Berlin, ca. 1897
Sharing in the
company’s success
In 1858, non-managerial employees at Siemens & Halske receive
a share of the company’s profits for the first time. Starting in the
mid-1860s, this profit-sharing plan is systematically expanded.
Employees at Siemens & Halske‘s Charlottenburger Werk
(Charlottenburg plant), 1890
1872
Company
retirement fund
1888
Healthcare
On the occasion of the company‘s 25th anniversary
and more than a decade before the launch of Bismarck’s
nationwide social security plan in 1883, Werner von
Siemens establishes a retirement plan for company
employees: the Pension, Widows‘ and Orphans‘ Fund.
In 1888, Werner von Siemens appoints his long-time
family physician to serve as the company doctor.
In 1906, the company establishes a comprehensive
standby medical service at its Berlin factories.
Founding charter of the Pension,
Widows‘ and Orphans‘ Fund,
1872
Employee treatment room, ca. 1914