At CWS Hygiene, developing our employees plays an important role in accelerating gender equality. Today, on International Women's Day, under the motto 'Accelerate Action', we would like to put the spotlight on Elke Vanderstraeten from Customer Care. A woman who has developed herself and her career with us and has grown with us. She is an example of how equality is not just a vision, but a process that is lived every day at CWS Hygiene.
Elke, can you tell us a bit about your career and your role at CWS Hygiene?
I have been with the company for almost 28 years and have held various positions. I started as a Customer Care Front Office Agent and am currently a Customer Care Manager, responsible for both the front and back office teams. My journey here has been full of challenges and successes, such as various ERP migrations, centralisation and decentralisation of teams, some field sales experience, acquisitions, and more.
This year's theme for International Women's Day is ‘Accelerate Action’. What does this theme mean to you personally and professionally?
"Accelerate Action” emphasises the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where women can thrive. It encourages organisations to implement policies that support gender equality, such as mentoring programmes, equal pay initiatives and flexible working arrangements. It also inspires me to take initiative in my own career, seeking opportunities to uplift and empower female colleagues and advocating for diversity in leadership.
Overall, this theme serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in accelerating progress towards gender equality, and it motivates me to take meaningful action in both my personal life and professional endeavours.
What role do mentoring and support play in your career development and how do you pass this on to your team?
Mentoring and support are crucial to career development, providing guidance, encouragement and valuable insights that can help individuals navigate their professional paths. A mentor can share experiences, provide constructive feedback and help identify opportunities for growth, which can greatly enhance one's skills and confidence.
To pass this on to my team, I prioritise creating a supportive environment where open communication is encouraged. I actively engage in mentoring by sharing my knowledge and experience, facilitating regular check-ins to discuss goals and challenges, and encouraging collaboration among team members. I also encourage team members to mentor each other, fostering a culture of learning and support that benefits everyone's career development. In this way, we can all grow together and achieve our professional goals!
How has CWS Hygiene supported you in your career and which initiatives have helped you in particular?
CWS Hygiene has been instrumental in supporting my career through various initiatives focused on professional development and employee well-being. In addition, the emphasis on a healthy work environment has positively contributed to my overall productivity and job satisfaction. The collaborative culture at CWS Hygiene has also fostered strong teamwork and networking opportunities that have been invaluable to my career growth. Overall, these initiatives have not only helped me develop professionally, but have also made my work experience more fulfilling.
Do you have any advice for young women who want to pursue a career in management?
Absolutely! Here are some friendly tips for young women aspiring to a career in management:
- Seek mentorship: Find mentors who can guide you along your career path. They can offer valuable insight and support.
- Build confidence: Believe in your abilities and don't be afraid to express your ideas. Confidence is key in leadership roles.
- Develop skills: Focus on developing both hard and soft skills. Leadership, communication and problem solving are essential in management.
- Be resilient: Challenges are part of every career. Stay resilient and learn from setbacks to become stronger.
- Remember, every journey is unique, so find what works best for you and enjoy the process!
Thank you for this inspiring conversation!