Developing Solutions Through Dialogue

As she works her way back to her office from the production hall, Stefanie meets with Michael Hofstetter (left), who oversees lean management, and Production Manager Stefan Reiter (right) in the meeting room of the production halls. Employee health is a priority at GF, which is why ergonomic workplace design is at the top of Stefanie's agenda for this discussion.

Die-cast production is located just a few steps from the administration building. Stefanie is on Microsoft Teams now, coordinating with Head of Marketing & Communication Tina Köhler at the division’s headquarters in Schaffhausen (Switzerland). They typically talk about internal communication – whether local or division-wide – or interface topics between HR and marketing. These include employer branding and advertising – for example, for apprenticeship openings at the site.

Since the spring of 2020, hygiene plans have become an essential part of work at the Herzogenburg site due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stefanie tackles the current challenges of the pandemic in close cooperation with Works Council Heads Heidelinde Frost (second from left) and Leopold Kohzina (left), as well as Pandemic Officer Kurt Wostry (right). Today, they are discussing the introduction of a general rule to wear masks throughout the company premises.

The HR team meets in Stefanie’s office, as they do every Thursday. They plan, evaluate, and develop topics. Today, the team is discussing two projects: the 2021 trainee program and an onboarding program for new employees. This involves holding development interviews and identifying participants.

Spontaneous chats are also part of Stefanie’s work day. On her way back to the administration building she sees Martin Hagl, Head of Process Planning. There is not much time for a chat today, because she has an appointment with Managing Director Christian Heigl. The two meet regularly.

This two-hour workshop deals with new digital solutions. The cross-departmental project team is committed to having an open dialogue about process improvements via restructuring, such as when organizing business trips. (Left to right: Birgit Steinhauser, Nathalie Ebner, Stefanie Kölbl, Anna Maria Eckhard, Katrin Denk.)

Back in production, Stefanie meets with Petra Höllerer from the quality department in the break room. The two colleagues work well together. They talk about the needs of employees and concepts for individual development, such as the 7 Habits training.

Before her working day ends, Stefanie checks the computer in her office one last time. Between all her appointments, she works through many e-mails dealing with up to 30 different topics and frequently has spontaneous chats. At 6 p.m. she clocks out at the plant gate, and can finally switch off.