Personal meetings and telephone hotline Gira has taken up this challenge and since 2007 has systematically introduced and implemented a number of measures. When the work situation in the manufacturing sector was analysed first, the company used the results to develop concrete measures. These include, for example, the introduction of informal Welcome Back meetings for employees returning from longer periods of sick leave. "We want to take this opportunity to inform employees of changes that may have occurred during their absence and to find out how they feel and whether they have overcome their health problems so that we can also contribute to their recovery in their working environment if required. If support is needed, we try to offer targeted help," explains Ricarda Soyck-Lockner. The company has also set up a psychological hotline: two consultations are offered for Gira employees every week. Conversations are held outside the workplace and are completely anonymous.
Health checks and fitness centre As a preventative measure, Gira cooperated with Sports UP XXL, a professional fitness centre in Schwelm: twice per month, employees at the sport and fitness centre offer general health checks and spinal screening, nutritional advice, and massages at Gira. In addition to these individual appointments, the trainers also offer advice to Gira employees in the workplace. The special thing about it is that staff can take advantage of it during working hours. "Our preventative programme has been very popular amongst colleagues for years," comments Soyck-Lockner happily. All employees also have membership cards for two nearby, well-equipped fitness centres, where they can work out for free after work or at weekends. The participation rate is considerably higher than the goal of 30 percent. "This is a result we are very pleased with," emphasises the Head of Human Resource Management. "We are constantly working on how to optimise what we offer our employees".
