We are Sesotec - David Mühlbauer: Lived inclusion at Sesotec

David Mühlbauer is a valued member of the Sesotec team and works in financial accounting. His path has not always been easy – after an accident, he is paraplegic, but thanks to his perseverance and the strong support of his team, he manages his workday confidently. In this interview, he talks about his professional career, the importance of team spirit, and how Sesotec truly practices inclusion. 

My journey at Sesotec began in September 2020 with my training as an industrial clerk. Everything was going well – until the accident happened in May 2021 that completely changed my life. After an intensive rehabilitation phase, I was able to gradually return to work in December 2021. The reintegration was, of course, a challenge, but I received a lot of support and backing from the entire team right from the start. That helped me tremendously to stay on track. In June 2024, I successfully completed my training and am very happy to have been a permanent part of the financial accounting team since then.

From the beginning, I received the assurance that I could work at Sesotec again after my rehab – this was incredibly important to me. This security helped me to fully concentrate on my recovery without having to worry about my professional future. What particularly touched me was the enormous solidarity within the company. When I was paraplegic after the accident in May 2021, Sesotec supported me and my family with a donation of 20,000 euros. The money came from a donation fund that the management had already set up for a good cause at Christmas 2020. Knowing that such a strong team stands behind me gave me incredible strength during this time.

There isn't really a fixed routine for me – every day brings variety. Usually, I start in the morning by handling emails and getting an overview of the tasks ahead. After that, I usually move on to booking invoices or other topics that currently have priority. What is particularly important to me: my team. My colleagues are very understanding of my situation, and I really appreciate that I can work flexibly from home when necessary. This openness and support make a big difference in my workday.

At Sesotec, inclusion is not just a buzzword, but truly lived. I always have the opportunity to contact the representative for severely disabled employees if I have a concern – and solutions are always sought together. What I particularly appreciate: I am not excluded or treated "differently" in any way. Instead, everyone involved looks at how I can participate in the workday as best as possible – whether on-site or in the home office. This collaboration at eye level and the openness in the team make Sesotec a very special employer for me. 

I want to encourage everyone who is in a similar situation: Don't let it get you down – even if the path is sometimes hard. It is incredibly important to always look for solutions and to openly address challenges. Only in this way can you achieve something together with others. And above all: Make the best of your situation. Even if not everything goes as planned, there are always ways to move forward and find new perspectives. It's worth sticking with it.

With pleasure! Thank you for allowing me to share my story.