Two German Stevie Awards for Werner Schmid

This year, Werner Schmid was honored with two Gold German Stevie Awards. As in 2019, the company was delighted to win in the category “Company of the Year – Manufacturing/Production.” In addition, the campaign celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary was recognized in the category “Best Event for Internal Recognition and Motivation.”

The company’s 75th anniversary was heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. When planning began in January 2021, an in-person event with the workforce under pandemic conditions was unthinkable. Therefore, the company opted for an alternative, creative approach with the goal of ensuring a memorable anniversary celebration that would strengthen employees’ sense of identification with the company, despite the exceptional circumstances. From May through December 2021, all 280 employees received a monthly, elaborately and individually designed gift that emphasized regional ties and/or a strong connection to the company. Since the company was founded in May 1946, the initiative began in May 2021. The eight gifts in total thus symbolically represented the company’s nearly eight decades of history. In this way, during uncertain and mentally taxing times, a moment of anticipation was created each month, and special appreciation was expressed toward the employees.

Creative ideas, such as a custom-developed company quiz and company memory game, brought the company’s history to life in an active and unique way. A WS cookbook developed in collaboration with regional restaurateurs, a barbecue package, a cocktail set, and specially created Rhön chocolates in the company colors represented the culinary aspects of a company celebration.

Management was delighted with the award: “We put a lot of heart and soul into this anniversary celebration and are thrilled that the result also impressed an international jury.”

Here’s what the jury had to say about Werner Schmid and the anniversary campaign:

“As the saying goes: Necessity is the mother of invention. This example shows what’s possible and how much joy can be brought to others. That’s what makes a good, appreciative employer. Worth emulating and exemplary.”

“A very good idea for celebrating the company’s anniversary, because this opportunity won’t come around again. Many companies were less creative during the pandemic and canceled their celebrations. This is definitely a source of recognition and motivation.”

“A well-executed concept — it’s wonderful that there are still companies like this that care for and look out for their employees.”

“The reason for giving this company the award is its amazing commitment to its employees, especially during the difficult times of COVID-19. This family-owned company deserves recognition for its dedication.”

The German Stevie Awards are the most diverse business awards in Germany and have been held five times since 2015. Since 2020, companies from across German-speaking Europe have been eligible to participate in the German Stevie Awards. They are part of the Stevie Awards programs, which are among the most coveted business awards internationally. Each year, the Stevie Awards programs receive well over 12,000 entries from more than 70 countries worldwide. By honoring companies and organizations of all sizes and types, as well as the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding achievements in the global workplace.

Werner Schmid had already enjoyed success at the German Stevie Awards in 2019: That year, the company won four awards.