FACC launched the "Healthy & Satisfied" project in November 2012. Since then, more than 750 employees have helped develop the measures. 19 months and many workshops later, the theoretical phase has now been concluded. Out of a total of 915 planned measures, 520 have already been implemented. From workplace layout to the distribution of free beverages, through to the design of internal communications, many company departments have been optimized permanently.
The Austrian aviation industry supplier FACC is celebrating its 25th birthday in 2014. This quarter-century has seen the company develop into one of the leading businesses in the Innviertel and a global player with more than 2,700 employees in Austria. Economic growth and the increase in staff numbers has also led to continuous development of the necessary infrastructure. With the aim of harmonizing the social needs of employees with the economic requirements of a globally active company, FACC launched the "Healthy & Satisfied" project in November 2012.
750 dedicated participants
Based on the data from a staff survey, the project managers randomly selected more than 750 employees to attend workshops. Team members discussed suggestions and developed proposed solutions in groups of eight to twelve persons. The range of issues covered here was very wide. Simple workplace adaptations, such as further optimization of equipment, or subjects such as team development, adjustments of the internal organization, but also the communication between individual departments were the primary focus of the workshops. Matters concerning work requirements, the quantity of work, procedures, and development opportunities were also discussed intensively. "Apart from many minor suggestions, we also managed to address larger areas that would have probably been more difficult to discuss without the project. The accumulated results and direct improvements for the whole FACC Crew make us very proud," says the delighted project manager Petra Kainhofer.
915 measures from 90 workshops
A total of 915 measures were derived from all the suggestions discussed and turned into actions for implementation. By June 2014, 520 of the individual optimization steps had been implemented for the employees. Challenges that could not be solved directly in practice were cushioned by innovative solutions. For example, the heat build-up in some production halls when outside temperatures are high cannot be improved technically. However, to make work easier for employees, several water dispensers have been installed and isotonic drinks are now being handed out free of charge. Safeguarding the health of the FACC Crew on a sustainable basis was one of the main aspects of the project. "Despite some skepticism, the project started off very well. Awareness has also been raised perceptibly with regard to psychological issues associated with the workplace, which has simplified the solution significantly. Overall, much has already happened, many other optimizations have been introduced," confirms company physician Dr. Christian Richter.
Alongside implementing the remaining actions, the project members are now focusing on extending the continuous evaluation process. "It is important not to lose sight of the bigger picture. 'Healthy & Satisfied' was the first step to raising awareness among employees, so that, together with their managers, they continue to seek creative solutions for impending challenges, both for their own benefit and the benefit of FACC as a whole," emphasizes Petra Kainhofer.
About FACC
FACC AG is one of the world's leading companies in the design, development, and production of advanced, fiber reinforced composite components and systems for the aviation industry. Their range of products ranges from structural components for the fuselage and wings to engine components and complete passenger cabins for commercial aircraft, business jets, and helicopters. FACC is a supplier to all large aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Sukhoi, and COMAC, as well as for engine manufacturers and subcontractors to the aircraft manufacturers.
In the 2013/14 business year FACC achieved an annual turnover of 547.4 million euros. The company employs a staff of around 2,700 employees in Austria. More information is available at www.facc.com.
For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact:
Anja Bichlbauer
Project Manager Communications
Fischerstraße 9
4910 Ried im Innkreis, Austria
Phone: 43 59 616-1137
E-mail: a.bichlbauer@facc.com