Schäffer has been certified as a “Family-Friendly Employer in the District of Soest”. The award, presented by the Economic Development Agency for the District of Soest (wfg), recognises companies that support their employees through family-friendly working conditions and a respectful corporate culture that accommodates different stages of life. Around 150 companies across the District of Soest currently hold this certification.
The certification followed a process lasting several months. During workshops, interviews and an audit, the company’s family-friendly policies and practices were assessed. Particular attention was paid to the following areas:
- Working hours & workplace
- Corporate & HR policy
- Work organisation
- Employee benefits
- Information & communication
An important part of the process was the exchange with employees from different areas of the company, who shared their personal experiences and perspectives. The assessment was further supported by workshops, including one focusing on building a positive feedback and learning culture.
On 2nd July 2026, the certificates were officially presented during a ceremony at Rittergut Störmede in Geseke, Germany. The awards were presented by Markus Helms, Managing Director of wfg, and District Administrator Heinrich Frieling.
At the award ceremony: Markus Helms, Managing Director of wfg, and District Administrator Heinrich Frieling presented the certificate to Schäffer representatives Sandra Stratmann (Works Council), Astrid Blumenröhr (Human Resources), Aaliyah Mertens (Apprentice) and Nadine Pagenkemper (Marketing). Not pictured: Ann-Kathrin Wiggershaus (Human Resources).
The award is both a valuable recognition of the work we have already accomplished and an incentive to continue developing our family-friendly approach. The feedback from the Economic Development Agency for the District of Soest confirmed that we already offer a wide range of measures and benefits that support our employees. At the same time, we see family friendliness as an ongoing process. We are committed to continuously improving our working conditions and employee benefits, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our workforce and further support a healthy work-life balance.
“Not every life situation can be addressed with a standard solution. That is why it is so important to stay in close dialogue with our employees and work together to find individual solutions that meet both operational requirements and personal needs,” says Ann-Kathrin Wiggershaus, Head of Technical & Industrial Human Resources.
We would like to thank all employees who contributed to the certification process through their support, ideas and commitment. Special thanks go to Ann-Kathrin Wiggershaus, Aaliyah Mertens and Nadine Pagenkemper, who took the lead in coordinating and managing the certification process.
We would also like to thank the Economic Development Agency for the District of Soest (wfg) for its guidance and support throughout the entire certification process.
Photos © Schäffer Maschinenfabrik GmbH and Nina Vester, wfg Economic Development Agency for the District of Soest GmbH.