We had the opportunity to speak with Nico Schmiedtke, who works as an Office Coordinator at MEININGER Hotels.
From the start of his professional career to the challenges and successes in Facility Management, Nico provides insights into his daily routine at MEININGER. He talks about his physical disability, how the company supports him, and how teamwork and inclusion have influenced his work experience.
Introduce yourself briefly: Who is Nico Schmiedtke outside of work?
My name is Nico Schmiedtke, I’m 28 years old, and I’ve been working at MEININGER Hotels for two years. I started as Office Support and now work as an Office Coordinator at the headquarters in Berlin. Outside of work, I regularly go to the gym, and despite my mobility impairment, I strive to overcome all challenges in life.
What were you doing before joining MEININGER Hotels?
Before starting at MEININGER, I completed a commercial apprenticeship. Normally, it takes three years, but due to COVID and hospital stays, my graduation was slightly delayed.
How did you come across your current job and when did you first hear about MEININGER?
I got to my current position by trusting myself and my abilities. Working in Facility Management often presents challenges. I first heard about MEININGER when my current supervisor, Tolga Akan, approached me during my apprenticeship and offered me a job at MEININGER as a person with a disability–and it’s working out great! I have now been with MEININGER for two years and feel very comfortable in the team.
Could you tell us more about your role in the Facility Management team? What does a typical day look like for you?
In my role in Facility Management, I mainly work at the headquarters in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Occasionally, I also visit our Berlin locations with my colleagues. The most exciting part is when we travel to different European countries to visit our hotels or conduct on-site workshops as a team.
What is the most challenging part of your job, and how do you handle it?
The most challenging part of my job are the tasks I’m doing for the first time. Initially, they take a bit more time, but once I’ve mastered them, I can handle them smoothly. For example, changing door locks can be complicated because different models require different installation methods.
Could you reveal a little secret we’ve been wondering about… why do the müsli bars in the office disappear so quickly?
Haha, I’ve been asked that many times. The answer is simple: “They’re just very popular!” 😉
How would you describe the team and internal culture at MEININGER? What makes it special in your opinion?
I find the entire MEININGER team special because it’s made up of so many employees with diverse cultures, needs, and thus different requirements.
How has MEININGER supported you as a person with a disability? Can you give specific examples of how your colleagues make your workday easier?
MEININGER has supported me as a person with a disability very well, providing help in almost every area. My colleagues assist me in my daily tasks when they notice I’m struggling with something, such as important conversations with suppliers in another language.
Is there anything you’d wish for in terms of accessibility or support for employees with disabilities?
I think accessibility is already well addressed in Germany. However, there are still many buildings that are not accessible, making life harder for people with disabilities.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to MEININGER?
I would say it depends on the department you’re applying for. So far, I’ve only worked in Facility Management, and I personally enjoy it a lot. The diverse mix of physical and mental work provides the perfect balance for me.
Who is your personal hero, and why do they inspire you?
My personal hero is myself because I trust my abilities, and if I can’t do something, I seek help.
If you could organize any team-building activity, no matter how big or extravagant, what would it be?
My perfect team-building activity would be canoeing. Of course, it would be important to divide the team into smaller groups to keep things manageable.
And finally: What motivates you to give your best every day, and where do you see yourself in the future at MEININGER?
What motivates me is collaborating with different people in various departments at the headquarters every day. In the future, I can see myself possibly working at a different location than Berlin for MEININGER, but I really enjoy my work in the office.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Nico!
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