Working Out Loud® Programme – Learning to collaborate effectively
With our Working Out Loud® programs , companies strengthen their teams through social learning, social fitness and networked working.
What is Working Out Loud?®?
Working Out Loud (WOL) is a globally successful learning method in which employees achieve their self-set goals through self-organized learning, transparent collaboration and networking.
Our WOL® programs at a glance
WOL® Circles Program
Peer learning, networking, and self-organization for all employees. Ideal for getting started with the WOL method.
WOL® for Teams
Strengthening collaboration, sharing knowledge, building trust – for existing teams that want to grow together.
WOL® Resilience
Promoting psychological safety and inner strength – for employees who want to consciously deal with stress and change.
WOL® Shopfloor
WOL for production and commercial areas – adapted to everyday work without a screen and desk.
#FrauenStärken
Networking, visibility and empowerment for women – for the targeted promotion of female leadership and careers.
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WOL® Circles – the best introduction to the learning method and your personal development
, and communication skills, as well as self-reflection, self-efficacy, and clarity about one's own goals, skills, and habits.Who is WOL® Circles for ? For
all employees who want to expand their network, achieve a goal, explore a topic, or discover new career paths. -
WOL® for Teams – for greater trust, knowledge transfer, and shared responsibility within the team.
WOL® for Teams applies the principles of WOL® Circles to existing work teams. The focus is on collective learning, shared responsibility, and a new quality of collaboration. Teams learn to empower each other, share knowledge, and grow together by tackling real challenges.Who is WOL® for teams intended for?
For teams that want to improve their collaboration, break down silos, and develop an open, trusting team culture. -
WOL® Resilience – for mental strength, psychological safety, and greater self-efficacy.
WOL® Resilience combines the principles of Working Out Loud® with targeted resilience training. Through reflection, peer support, and practical exercises, participants learn to better cope with stress, strengthen psychological safety, and actively cultivate their mental health.Who is WOL® Resilience for ? For
employees who want to build stability, emotional strength and self-efficacy in challenging times – individually or as a team. -
WOL® Shopfloor – adapted to shop floor realities and for employees without a desk.
, WOL® becomes tangible and effective even for employees without a computer workstation.Who is WOL® Shopfloor intended for ? For
employees in production, logistics or service who want to reflect on their daily work, learn new things and actively contribute – without technical hurdles. -
#FrauenStärken powered by WOL ® – specifically empowering, networking and professionally raising the profile of women
#FrauenStärken supports women in positioning themselves confidently, expanding their networks, and actively shaping their professional development. The focus is on empowerment, goal clarity, and building supportive relationships.
Who is #FrauenStärken powered by WOL ® ?
For women who want to develop themselves further, network or specifically prepare for new roles, projects or career steps – regardless of hierarchy or department. -
WOL® Leaders – rethinking modern leadership, leading through connection
WOL® Leaders combines self-leadership, coaching skills and team responsibility with the attitude and methodology of Working Out Loud.
In a world of remote work demands, efficiency pressures, and constant change, leaders need new ways to gain clarity, empower themselves, and foster genuine team connections. This program offers a safe learning environment where leaders reflect, learn, coach one another, and practically experience new forms of leadership. The focus is on self-regulation, a culture of feedback, psychological safety, and resilient team development—complemented by a structured 12-week peer coaching format: Working Out Loud® for Leaders.
Who is WOL® Leaders for ? For
new and experienced leaders who want to shape their role consciously and effectively – in a self-reflective, connecting, and future-oriented way.NEW from summer 2025!
Are you already interested and want to learn more? Send us an email to wol@connecting-humans.de
Want to delve deeper? Our brochure gives you a compact overview of all WOL® programs, their processes, licensing models, and the method itself.
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“WOL increases intrinsic motivation, mental health and important aspects for team collaboration.”
Prof. Julia Schorlemmer, FOM University of Applied Sciences for
Economics & Management -
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“Results revealed that WOL could significantly increase learners' WOL behavior and psychological empowerment at work in the post and six-month follow-up measurements.”
T. Augner, CC Schermuly and F. Jungmann
(2023, WOL: an intervention study to test an agile learning method”, Journal of Workplace Learning, In print). -
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“The WOL method brought people together, strengthened mutual understanding, and fostered their sense of belonging.”
Anne S, Change Agent,
SMA Solar Technology -
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“At Deutsche Telekom, we believe that WOL helps our employees to develop successfully in a connected world of work.”
Sebastian A., Telekom,
Senior HR Business Partner -
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“Being part of WOL was an incredible experience of connection and commitment.”
Maria Fernanda,
Lead HR Business Partner, Kaiser + Kraft -
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“I am absolutely convinced that we need this appreciative, generous, open and connecting attitude that WOL conveys to us.”
Dennis B., Enterprise Collaboration
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"WOL is a super-rich program—it has everything you need for your career. There is so much for different situations that you can do it again and again."
Katja V., Learning Expert, Blum
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“One of the fundamental skills underpinning New Work.”
Michael Trautmann,
co-creator of 'On the Way
to New Work' podcast and book -
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“Working Out Loud is one of the most beautiful methods in social learning.”
Florian S., HR Coordinator, Radisson Hotel Group
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“Since I took part at my first circle my professional life is more meaningful and full of options.”
Linda F., Education Manager,
University Hospital Zurich -
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"Resilience is a future competence! We were the first to go through the WOL Resilience program in German. 91% of our participants recommend it."
Elian L, HR Development, SWR
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“The most corporate-friendly way to create human transformation that I have come across.”
Justin F., Global Wealth Investments, Citibank
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“The energy that my WOL Circle gave me was indescribable.”
Kathrin K., HR Consulting & Management
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“WOL creates a mindset we strongly need in today's world of work: learning from each other, achieving goals together.”
Belkis E., Global People Director, LeanIX
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“Was like a Jonathan Franzen novel: rewarding on so many levels including those you never knew existed.”
Karl B., Data Visualization Specialist, Bayer
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![Nancy B., Early Talent Advocate, Pfizer]()
“WOL is the absolute BEST!!!”
Nancy Bruce
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“This year's WOL Circle was my third and I'm still amazed by the (very different) results that were achieved by each group.”
Katharina N., Change Lead, Bayer
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“WOL improves collaboration in the organization & promotes knowledge sharing, especially in times of increasing digitalization & remote working.”
Christian H., Division Manager, Teckentrup
Why now is WOL®
Working Out Loud® is more than a method – it's a mindset that sustainably transforms leadership and collaboration. Right now, it's becoming clear that companies that focus on networking, self-reflection, and peer learning not only strengthen their culture – they also measurably increase motivation, performance, and retention. (Source: Gallup, State of the Global Workplace Report, 2025)
Strengthening connections
Only 27% of executives worldwide are engaged and feel emotionally connected to their work.
WOL® - leadership, reflection and emotional connection – especially in challenging roles.
Activate Teams
70 % Team performance depends directly on the quality of social relationships and emotional bonding within the team.
WOL® , and effectiveness – from within.
Promoting resilience
40 % Many employees worldwide feel stressed on a daily basis.
WOL® offers space for reflection, exchange and mental relief – embedded in genuine connection.
We need new ways of working, leading, learning – and staying connected. WOL® is one of them.
Nine good reasons for Working Out Loud®
Empowering women and promoting diversity visibly and effectively.
Sustainably strengthen psychological safety and team cohesion.
Giving employees a voice and enabling genuine connection.
Promote effective collaboration and strengthen the exchange of knowledge with others.
To specifically teach key principles and soft skills for leadership.
Targeted dismantling of silos between departments, locations, and functions.
Actively support new employees in networking and settling in.
Increase resilience, reduce stress and strengthen adaptability.
Empowering employees to shape their own career path.
How Working Out Loud® works – in four easy steps
Exchange in small, familiar groups
In so-called Circles, 4-5 people work together in a protected space for several weeks – with trust, psychological safety and genuine connection.
Individual goal as a learning driver
Everyone pursues a personal learning or development goal – this strengthens intrinsic motivation and enables sustainable learning through self-reflection and focus.
Structured process with clear exercises
A proven curriculum with weekly prompts, reflection questions and tasks provides guidance and facilitates self-organized learning in a team.
Establish new habits gradually
Continuous practice creates new patterns of thinking and acting – strengthening personal responsibility, enjoyment of learning and the ability to change.
More about the method: What makes Working Out Loud so special?
Working Out Loud ® (WOL ® ) stands for transparent, open collaboration in diverse teams and networks.
As a social learning method, WOL® is recognized worldwide as a key competence for the complex world of work of tomorrow. It fosters an open, receptive attitude to learning, targeted personal networking, and respectful communication on equal footing. The various WOL programs are aimed at different target groups and thematic focuses – but the basic structure always remains the same: In so-called Circles, participants learn in a self-organized, goal-oriented manner and from each other.
WOL® - directed learning.
In the Circles, regular exchange creates psychologically safe spaces where trust can grow – regardless of hierarchy or function. Participants work on individual or shared goals, learning from and with each other. Intrinsic motivation is strengthened, personal development is initiated, and concrete progress becomes visible. The method can be easily integrated with current transformation and learning strategies.
WOL® tool for cultural change, innovation and sustainable transformation.
Organizations are strategically using Working Out Loud (WOL) to strengthen cross-functional collaboration, break down siloed thinking, and foster a more human-centered work culture. Whether for onboarding, retention, diversity, job crafting, resilience, or leadership development, WOL is effective wherever people want to connect and grow. The programs are easily scalable, can be implemented in hybrid models, and can be flexibly integrated into daily work routines – for greater connection, more trust, and greater impact.
Discover our WOL® programs in detail
WOL® Circles Program
Peer learning, networking, and self-organization for all employees. Ideal for getting started with the WOL method.
WOL® for Teams
Strengthening collaboration, sharing knowledge, building trust – for existing teams that want to grow together.
WOL® Resilience
Promoting psychological safety and inner strength – for employees who want to consciously deal with stress and change.
WOL® Shopfloor
WOL for production and commercial areas – adapted to everyday work without a screen and desk.
#FrauenStärken
Networking, visibility and empowerment for women – for the targeted promotion of female leadership and careers.
Get to know our certified WOL® coaches
Our coaches support organizations in effectively implementing Working Out Loud®, facilitating Circles, and sustainably embedding social learning processes within the company. With extensive experience, methodological depth, and genuine enthusiasm for connection, development, and self-organization, they create spaces for change – empathetically, clearly, and practically.
Katharina Krentz
Katharina was the first to introduce, adapt, and internationally disseminate Working Out Loud® in a large corporation in 2015 – as a grassroots initiative, strategically anchored in HR. She has advised numerous companies on the implementation of WOL, facilitated Circles, and (further) developed several programs. She is considered one of the key pioneers of the WOL® movement in Germany. Over 6,000 people have participated in the public #FrauenStärken powered by WOL® programs to date.
Sophie Rickman
Sophie is a passionate WOL enthusiast. As a business psychologist, communications consultant, and certified WOL® coach, she brings in-depth expertise and enthusiasm for social learning processes. Her WOL® journey began in 2021 in the largest open #FrauenStärken program. Since then, she has been part of the co-creation team and supports companies in implementing various formats – including as a coach for the WOL® Resilience program.
Jens Wiemann
Jens is a UX designer, innovation consultant, and WOL® for Teams coach. He came to WOL through the visual redesign of the #FrauenStärkenprogram and has since shaped the movement's global brand image. As part of the co-creation team, he combines design, communication, and user experience to create a cohesive learning experience. With his focus on teams, impact, and change, he supports organizations in implementing WOL® – strategically, user-centered, and with meticulous attention to detail.
WOL® the press
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26 Lightbulb Moments, Episode 2, May 2024
In this episode of "26 Lightbulb Moments," Anja interviews two prominent advocates of the Working Out Loud (WOL) method: John Stepper and Katharina Krentz. John, the creator and founder of WOL, and Katharina, a transformation facilitator and certified WOL coach, discuss the impact of this peer-to-peer learning method on personal and cultural development in various organizations. They share insights into how WOL promotes collaboration, networking, and lifelong learning, and why it's essential for future success. Listen now.
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Learning is awesome - The Learning Development Blog, July 2022
Katharina Krentz: Almost every learning and development expert is familiar with her podcasts on "Working Out Loud." She's the woman who brought Working Out Loud to Germany. With " Connecting Humans " she supports not only WOL but also New Work topics in general. Everyone's clamoring for New Work right now—I want to know from her how employers can remain attractive when we're all suddenly working remotely. Watch it now.
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Impulse Pilots, April 2022
For today's expert talk, I'm delighted to welcome Katharina Krentz, a very special guest, to our Impulspiloten couch. Katha is not only a trainer and speaker on New Work, networking, female empowerment, and the founder of Connecting Humans , but she's also considered a pioneer of Working Out Loud® – or WOL® for short – in Germany. Tune in now !
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Changement Magazine, March 2022
For some, they're a panacea; for others, completely overrated: tools and methods for change management. We put practitioners and experts to the test and want to hear their perspectives and get some tips. This time, we ask Katharina Krentz. She's considered one of the pioneers of Working Out Loud in Germany. Read the full article.
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Kluge & Associates, October 2020
Our guest today, Katharina Krentz, is particularly associated with the topic of Working Out Loud – one of the most prominent examples of grassroots movements in organizations. Katharina Krentz was officially tasked with designing a curriculum for the community managers she had established within her company. Listen now.
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Haufe, March 2018
Connecting products via the cloud, connecting employees with "Working Out Loud" – this is one of Bosch's recipes for digital transformation. Read here how this works in practice.
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t3n, May 2018
Bosch has been doing it for years, as has Daimler, and a number of other large and well-known companies besides them: Working Out Loud. But what exactly is it? Read the full article.
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t3n, May 2019
Working Out Loud (WOL®) is a method for making work visible and sharing knowledge – using a structured approach in groups. In the t3n podcast, Daimler and Bosch explain how they implement the method in practice. Listen now.
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SWR, LinkedIn, 2021
SWR is a leader in innovation: Using WOL® - Working Out Loud® - to combat silo thinking. SWR project manager Elian Lieb shares her experiences. Read the full article.
Want to find out if a WOL® program is right for your company? Schedule a free introductory meeting with one of our certified WOL® coaches today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Use the contact form, book an appointment directly with us, or send us an email to wol@connecting-humans.de
