Human Resources (May 2008)
Interview with Dr. Jürgen Herrmann, Senior Vice President Human Resources
Mr. Herrmann, what areas did your work in Human Resources focus on in 2007?
The Human Resources Division performs a service function for all the subsidiaries of the Messer Group and is used in different ways depending on the structure of our organisations in the various countries. Since the formation of the German associated company Messer Industriegase, until May 7 known as Gase.de, one of the main areas of personnel activity in 2007 concerned the hiring of the necessary staff for rebuilding our former domestic market. We were able to fill all the approved positions with qualified and experienced staff who possess extensive knowledge of the gas business. Generally, our work is geared to supporting the corporate strategy. Of course our new strategic focus on strengthening our sales structure had a direct impact on personnel development. The “Sales and Marketing” function, which had previously been under-represented in the Central Functions, was strengthened. This function is now directly represented in the management, and other sub-functions have also been expanded, especially in the area of strategic marketing and the European medical business.
The work of Human Resources always has an impact on the future – what other foundations have you been laying?
We would like to give employees at Messer the opportunity to input their ideas and play a more active part in shaping their working environment and making the Messer Group more successful. We have issued standard guidelines for idea management in our majority shareholding companies. One of the main aims of these guidelines is to use suggestions for improvements right across the Group. These suggestions may be rewarded with payments of up to 12,200 euros. Each company nominates a representative who organises idea management in that particular company. The subject of ideas will also play a major role at the Senior Management Conference 2008.
“We would like to give employees at Messer the opportunity to input their ideas and play a more active part in shaping their working environment.” Jürgen Herrmann
