Working on the sunny side
GILDEMEISTER energy solutions (since July 2019: SENS) receives award as a top employer
A positive working atmosphere, excellent working conditions and an attractive working environment: all criteria for a top employer. And at the same time criteria which Würzburg-based PV service provider GILDEMEISTER energy solutions, now operating as STEAG Solar Energy Solutions (SENS), fulfils with flying colours. This was officially confirmed on Friday when, at a major award ceremony in Berlin the company was awarded the “Best Employer” seal of approval for medium-sized companies. Managing Director André Kremer and HR Manager Frank Surmacz received the award from the hands of former Federal Minister of Economics Wolfgang Clement.
The company's employees in Würzburg had been asked for their opinion in a representative, anonymous survey. The feedback from this empirical survey was evaluated by the Institute for Personnel Management at the University of St. Gallen. Among the topics surveyed were leadership & vision, employee development and prospects, family friendliness and demography as well as culture and communication.
These subjects were especially important to Managing Director André Kremer, who states: “We want to offer our team the best framework conditions, because we are aware that our success in the future will depend more than ever on the motivation, commitment and health of our employees. We need to be ready for tomorrow's working world and, as a medium-sized company in particular, survive in the competition for the best talent.”
Aspects such as modern work stations, additional benefits such as a company pension and tax-free grants, as well as individually configurable, trust-based working hours and options for working at home are only some of the employee benefits. The company also has its own chef, who provides satisfying meals at lunchtime, while for around two years an extensive health management system has been in place, offering regular sports activities, yoga courses, massages in the workplace and even entire days of action. Illness prevention, sport and stress management are intended as a balance for demanding project work: “We are performance-oriented, but also attach great importance to a positive, friendly working atmosphere, which means that fun is not forgotten at work,” is how HR Manager Frank Surmacz sums up the company's individual culture.
Teamwork is the key word. Our staff work together across departments and across continents. For Managing Director André Kremer, the topic of personal responsibility is a key component of the recipe for success: “We trust our team, give them plenty of freedom to be creative, and practise a culture of dealing openly with mistakes”. Our flat hierarchies and commitment make it possible to remain flexible in the fast-moving project business.
In contrast, Würzburg's HR policy is characterised by consistency. This means that it is very important to keep employees loyal to the company. Mentors from the management level are provided for new staff, further training is promoted and our global orientation creates development opportunities in an international environment. Sustainability is not only a characteristic of our products as energy specialists, it is also an important criterion in dealing with our own employees.
“We are delighted to accept this award and to see our human resources policy bear visible fruit in this way,” said André Kremer in Berlin on Friday.
Picture: zeag GmbH, Pascal Seidel
