Heart, soul, and a candy bar
Gera Orthoses Production 2
The employees on the team at Gera Orthoses Production 2 stand out thanks to their team culture: working in carnival costumes, an in-house “candy bar”, fan posters at the Company Run, a home-made team advent calendar and group photos with Bauerfeind shirts on social media. And their productivity was impressively high last year – they were rewarded with a bonus. How did they make it happen? How did this team culture develop? And what are their work responsibilities? Team leader Sandy Görmer-Heilmann discusses all this and more.
Sandy, your team shows a commitment outside of normal work at events, you’re always celebrating Bauerfeind’s culture. How did that develop?
We are a dynamic team, and we identify with Bauerfeind. I like to contribute my ideas. And I can just tell that those kind of activities work wonders for us as a team. Many of the team members are very open and get involved, some would rather remain in the background. But that’s OK, our rule of thumb is: anyone can participate, but nothing is mandatory.
It looks like you’ve developed quite a dynamic there...
Yes, everyone contributes a few ideas. My deputy Anett and I put our heart and soul into it. In December, we did a home-made advent calendar. There was a little something special for everyone in it. We started crafting them back in October. We really celebrate these rituals, everyone looks forward to them. I’m currently crafting things for Easter. Of course, my husband has to pitch in. I just want to tell the team: thank you so much for being part of this! It’s not always easy. It takes a lot of dialog and communication.
As team leaders, how do you make sure this dialog is possible?
I’d rather meet up as a group one time too many rather than risk not meeting often enough. We also have a lot of individual conversations with people and can quickly tell if something’s not working. There’s a candy bar behind my desk, after all – there are sweets to be had here. I always say: I’d rather run out of butter in my fridge than be left without gummy bears on my desk. [laughs] Everyone contributes something occasionally, and everyone stops by here now and then. Then we make time for a quick fun break or ask them: How are you doing? This really keeps everyone motivated. On work days between public holidays and weekends, we traditionally eat breakfast together, which gives us the opportunity to talk. Communication is everything.
What are your areas of responsibility?
Our team produces all the knee orthoses and some of the Spinova back orthoses.
What does “production” entail?
We weld the raw materials and then fit or weld together the finished orthoses using these raw materials. Welding, pressing, packing, sewing and assembly work with metal, for instance drilling and powder coating. That’s the work our team does. The range of tasks is very wide and very diverse.
What changes have you managed successfully and what changes are upcoming?
Most recently, SecuTec Genu Flex was added as a new product. The assembly for this product was something totally new for us, since it is made of an entirely different material with Flex-Links that can be moved in all directions. No one likes changes right off the bat, but the great thing about working on a team is that everyone is willing to take the next step together. Our colleagues in assembly handled it very well. Of course, small changes are always being made to materials and processes. But we’ve gotten used to that by now. Over the next year, the plan is currently for us to move into building 24/26 with the other orthosis teams in Gera.
I’d like to wish you continued success and many thanks for the conversation, Sandy!
