We are proud to announce that Kimberly Goad, Senior Director of Human Resources & Environmental Health & Safety at STULZ USA, has been recognized with Ragan’s 2025 Top Women in HR Award in the Workplace Culture Leader category. This prestigious award celebrates Kimberly’s exceptional contributions to fostering an inclusive and engaging workplace culture at STULZ.

Kimberly Goad's journey in championing employee engagement, safety, and workplace culture is an amazing example of the power of transformative impact of these initiatives for the hardest to reach: deskless employees. 

The turning point that changed workplace culture at STULZ

Kimberly's journey began with a challenging first day at STULZ that drove her to revamp the company's approach to HR. 

In Kimberly’s words: 

On my first day at STULZ, I was met with a lackluster welcome and a disorganized orientation that left me feeling completely undervalued. The lack of a proper introduction and cold interactions with the team were disheartening, and during a lonely lunch break, I ended up crying in my car, regretting my move from a big company to STULZ. That tough day made it crystal clear why I was hired—to revamp HR. I made a promise to myself to never let anyone else feel as unwelcome as I did that day.

So began an 8-year, ongoing journey to ensure that every STULZ employee felt heard, valued, and felt the culture of safety and empowerment.  It didn’t happen overnight, but the results speak for themselves.

One promise, eight years, and a total culture overhaul

Kimberly’s magic lies in her knack for hitting right at the heart of complex challenges with sharp, strategic responses:

1. Recruitment & retention: Confronted by high turnover in a labor market with just 1% unemployment, Kimberly discovered through direct employee polling that a 4-day workweek was highly favored. Implementing this change not only aligned STULZ with competing offers but also significantly boosted morale and retention rates, demonstrating a responsive and adaptive HR strategy.
2. Multilingual staff: Acknowledging the challenges posed by STULZ's culturally diverse workforce, Kimberly facilitated the deployment of STULZConnect, a mobile app supporting multiple languages. This has been crucial in knitting a tighter, more inclusive community at work.
3. Pandemic response: When COVID-19 hit hard, Kimberly was quick to roll up her sleeves. Kimberly responded by publicly acknowledging and financially supporting these employees. Initiatives included securing pay raises, distributing gas cards, and hosting regular on-site events to boost spirits and foster community, significantly improving the workplace atmosphere during challenging times.
4. Tech simplification: Previously, a lack of digital tools hindered effective communication, especially among plant staff without company email accounts. That is why Kimberly introduced STULZConnect to ensure every team member, regardless of their role, stayed informed and trained without the hassle of juggling multiple apps and logins.
5. Safety and growth go hand in hand: With safety a top priority, Kimberly utilized STULZConnect for timely safety alerts and training. Plus, she teamed up with the local Literacy Council to offer on-site English classes, boosting both safety understanding and career development.

Kimberly’s leadership has not only transformed the HR landscape at STULZ USA but has also set a benchmark for how HR can play a pivotal role in shaping a company's culture. The changes she has driven demonstrate a commitment to listening and responding to employee needs, fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered.

Congratulations to Kimberly Goad on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication and innovative approach continue to inspire and make a significant impact at STULZ USA and beyond.

About the Ragan’s 2025 Top Women in HR Awards

Ragan’s Top Women in HR Awards honor the champions of workplace excellence, celebrating the outstanding contributions of women in human resources. The "Workplace Culture Leader" category specifically recognizes women who excel in creating and nurturing a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This award highlights the importance of highlighting the organizational impact of Human Resources and promoting female advancement in the field.

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