There is no doubt that we are proud of our corporate culture. Or that our offices should be inclusive, inviting and inspiring. But how do we actually get all these values to follow our consultants who spend the majority of their time on client assignments? And how do we move forward to ensure that all our employees, regardless of their geographical location, continue to thrive and develop according to our business model?
We had the opportunity to talk a little more with Charlotte Westerstad, Consultant Manager at Plantvision , and one of her senior consultants, Malin Eriksson.
From left: Malin Eriksson & Charlotte Westerstad
Hi Charlotte! The work to end up on the 6th Location on the list of Sweden's best workplaces is something that really permeates Plantvision's core and something we are very proud of. But how have you, in your role as Consultant Manager, managed to get the corporate culture out to your consultants who usually sit out with the customer?
We often discuss the importance of belonging and community within our teams; everyone considers it important and feels involved, contributing to maintaining and developing the corporate culture. Of course, I would have liked us to have had the opportunity to meet more often, and that is something I will actively work on, trying to create more opportunities to meet and inviting people to more joint activities. We have introduced Thursdays as meet-at-the-office days, if it fits in with our assignments, and then we sometimes take the opportunity to have joint activities such as coffee breaks, meetings, and sometimes after-work get-togethers. Together with my colleagues, I am constantly working to come up with new ways to promote the corporate culture. It is important not to be satisfied, but to see it as a task that needs to be constantly developed. Plantvision kick-offs twice a year for each business area, where we all get together to learn new things, get to know each other better, and do fun stuff together. Last winter, we all went to Stöten and got to know each other. We got to meet colleagues from all over the country and learn new things while trying out fun winter activities.
In your role, and as part of Plantvision, it's very much about creating a team spirit and making everyone feel that they are given the opportunity to develop and be inspired at work.
How do you work to ensure that this is the case?
- Working on team spirit is a dynamic process and something that needs to be continuously developed and maintained. At our meetings with the teams, in addition to sharing information, we usually share what has happened during the week, what is happening in the various projects, which companies you have met, or if you have given a presentation or participated in an event. We have coffee together sometimes, it does a lot for the community, it is both nice and an opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level. I want to work even more on promoting the community and will organize more group activities to strengthen the team spirit. I usually encourage cooperation in various internal projects and in consulting assignments, which also usually results in getting closer to each other. We also work a lot with sponsorship where an employee helps a new employee with both the practicalities of the introduction program, but also with getting into the consulting role and getting the right tools to succeed in the assignments. The colleagues at the Lund office are all social and I feel that everyone is actively involved in promoting and developing the team spirit.
Under our roof, we have gathered an incredible diversity of expertise, from world-leading experts (read: megagurus) in production systems to consultants (aka superstars) who guide our customers on their journey forward. To get a little insight into life as a consultant, we also had the opportunity to ask a few questions to Malin Eriksson, Senior Consultant at Plantvision .
Hi Malin! Tell me, how are you enjoying life as a consultant?
- Very good! I think it is an excellent opportunity to learn new things and it is very inspiring to work with so many competent colleagues!
When you are at the customer's site, do you feel that you have Plantvision's values with you and do you feel a sense of belonging, even though you are not in the office?
– Absolutely. I spend most of my time at the customer's premises, but I try to spend at least one day a week at our office. Even though I work at the customer's premises, I can always discuss things with my colleagues and ask for advice when needed. Plantvision a highly skilled consulting firm, and I think this is reflected in the fact that everyone is keen to help each other and be part of creating a pleasant workplace. We also keep in touch via digital tools, which helps us stay connected even though we're in different places. At Plantvision Lund, we have a shared office day on Thursdays, when we try to get together. We usually take the opportunity to have coffee in the afternoon.
The fact that the company secured sixth Location the list of Sweden's Best Workplaces is something that everyone is constantly working to live up to.
What positive qualities do you think Plantvision has as an employer?
– An open and positive atmosphere, where you always have support from your colleagues. It's a good mix of independent work and teamwork. I also feel that there is a lot of support for skills development, where you can decide for yourself in which direction you want to develop. The fact that wellness subsidies, flexible vacation, and many social activities are also offered makes work an even more positive experience. It is clear that Plantvision committed to creating an attractive workplace.
We thank you very much for the chat and wish you and your colleagues the best of luck in your future assignments! Need to get in touch with one of our experts? Do not hesitate to contact us, we are happy to help you move forward and upwards. And Beyond. Click here.