The guides take the time to talk in a protected atmosphere, they listen, they classify and they try to help by “guiding” the colleague to the right advice center or to the appropriate help offered by social or welfare organisations or the district. “Listen, understand, help” - that is the motto of the social guides. Naturally, those conversations are confidential.
Giving courage and hope
Four colleagues at SCHLEGEL have agreed to take on the role of social pilot alongside their normal work - Franziska Müller, Carolin Unmuth, Gerhard Blank and Bruno Jungwirth. “I want to help if I can,” says Gerhard Blank, explaining his motivation. And Carolin Unmuth adds: “I want to give people in difficult situations courage and hope when life might not be going so well for them at the moment.”
These four social guides are not social workers or therapists. They are just normal employees who take time for their colleagues. Regardless of whether they are dealing with financial difficulties, addiction issues or psychological problems; regardless of whether they are affected themselves or someone close to them - the social pilots listen and offer their help. The social guides are supported by Susanne Butscher, who is available for the guides as an external companion, coach and psychological counselor (VFP).
A place to talk
The initiative for this project came from the company after a death that shook many people. After this experience, the management wanted to have someone to talk to for the employees in difficult situations. This is why the social pilot project was launched. “In a family business, human interaction is important,” emphasise the managing directors Wolfgang Weber and Christoph Schlegel.
The project also fits in with the company's self-image. It complements the company's duty of care and is part of its company health management, which includes offers such as a health day, fitness programmes, nutrition courses and resilience training.
