Women at Liebherr – focusing on self empowerment

The event offered all participants practical workshops, inspiring impulses and engaging discussions. Under the motto “Balance instead of perfection”, the event served as a networking platform for women from different Liebherr sites, aiming at strengthening them in their day to day professional lives.

The guest speaker, Manuela Rukavina, opened the event with an inspiring keynote addressing the topics to be explored. A key focus thereby was the overarching topic of mental load – whether caused by continuous planning, coordination or fulfilment of tasks. These are considered major stress factors in both the private and professional lives of women.

With an expert input on the causes of stress, emotional balance and mental health, Liebherr is making a targeted investment in the resilience of its female employees – as part of a responsible and sustainable understanding of its role as an employer.

Recognising the needs and strengthening self-care

During the event, participants had the opportunity to come together in small groups and to explore the core topics in greater depth, building on Ms. Rukavina’s introductory presentation. Stress reduction, for example, was a central theme. In everyday life, personal needs are often insufficiently recognised or overlooked altogether. In the workshops, participants learned how to identify individual stress triggers and were given practical tips on reducing stress – for example by consciously planning time out or asking themselves the question: “What do I need right now?”

The key message was: “I matter – self empowerment begins with self care.” With this approach, Liebherr deliberately embraces the principle of enabling employees to take personal responsibility and practise self care by providing appropriate freedom to do so.

Communication and mindset as key success factors

The workshop participants also addressed the different forms of communication. Open, respectful communication and mutual appreciation are the central elements of collaboration at Liebherr. “While horizontal communication is based on interaction and exchange, vertical communication is often oriented towards status or power,” explains Sarah Ehrhart from Liebherr-Components in Biberach (Germany). “Reflecting on the question ‘How was something said to me?’ helps to avoid misunderstandings and to foster appreciation.”

Topics, such as self esteem and the right mindset, were also under discussion. The focus thereby lied on self compassion and a sense of self worth – concepts that were illustrated in a tangible way, using vivid images, like comparing one’s personal energy balance to a smartphone battery.

Employees as the key to Liebherr’s success

As a family owned company, Liebherr is aware that its employees shape the organisation and are the key to long term success. Regardless of gender, everyone is given equal opportunities and room for personal development.

Liebherr stands for cohesion, trust and fair collaboration. Initiatives like “Women at Liebherr” and “Female Empowerment” reflect this self image and specifically promote exchange, networking and the personal development of women within the Group – irrespective of product segment, area of responsibility or position. Employees can, therefore, look forward to further valuable and inspiring events in the future.