Viewing the World Through the Eyes of a Sixth Grader: Exploring Meaningful Work

Charlie, a sixth-grade Beat reporter from the Brunswick City School District , is on a quest to explore the concept of meaningful work. What does it mean to have a job that feels meaningful? And how do adults navigate this? Read on to find out what she discovered when she posed this question to Welser Profiles HR.

Annika Gerhard, SHRM-CP is the generalist of the Human Resources department, or HR department at Welser Profile. Welser Profile is a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing steel profiles. Gerhard has many responsibilities such as recruiting and training, employee engagement, benefits and payroll, and making sure company policy is followed. Gerhard said her favorite parts of the job are the people. She states, “I provide support and resources to employees who are experiencing difficulties both at work and in their personal lives. These interactions are very rewarding.”??

?

Gerhard got involved with Welser not too long ago in April of 2023, she saw it posted on LinkedIn and she applied for the HR position. She was inspired to join Welser because of their 360-year history as a family run business. Gerhard said, “Not only is their legacy inspirational, but the goals and growth planned for the next 20 years make me feel like I am part of something meaningful.” As Gerhard continues to work with Welser she feels like her own decisions will affect and impact the future of the company.?

?

During Gerhard’s day she does many things as she has multiple responsibilities. Usually, Gerhard will have a meeting to talk about upcoming events or current projects, she then will look at applicant’s resumes to jobs that are open, call candidates, and sometimes have more meetings about hiring decisions with Supervisors. Throughout Gerhard’s day she will also have questions about things employees need help with. As Gerhard continues to grow with Welser she feels that their “legacy is inspirational” and the company's growth makes her “feel like I am part of something meaningful”.?