Role Model
Adriana Bianca
“In order to minimize stress and compensate the family from my absence, I try to organize flexible shifts whenever possible.”
| Business Unit: | Finance |
| Division: | Information Technologies |
| Job title: | Information Technologies Director |
Question 1
What makes your work and working time model special and what benefits do you see?
I’m located in São Paulo,Brazil, and have international responsibilities in Latin America including Mexico, which at some times of the year has a 4-hour time difference from my country. That makes my work schedule very challenging, but I organize myself with the help of mobile solutions (home office, BlackBerry), so that I can overcome the obstacles without compromising my dedication to my family. Quite frequently, I also have to join international meetings, which requires travel on some weekends. In order to minimize stress and compensate the family from my absence, I try to organize flexible shifts whenever possible.
Question 2
Please describe your typical day/work week (e.g. when does your working day start/end? Where do you work? What is your personal work-life balance principle?).
I normally start at 7:30 a.m. at my regular office at Henkel Itapevi. Then I leave at 4:45 p.m., in order to be able to pick up my son at school at 6:00 p.m. despite the heavy traffic conditions inSão Paulo. Then I drive home and, while my son is busy with his homework, I connect to Henkel’s network and finish my work, especially things that depend on Latin American countries in different time zones. On Fridays, when traffic is even heavier inSão Paulo, I drive to another Henkel site called Diadema, which is a little closer to my home. And whenever I have a medical appointment or any external meeting, I don’t drive to Henkel, but I organize myself in my home office in order to minimize the time spent in traffic. Picking up my son at school every day is something that the two of us enjoy very much and, even if I have to work afterwards, it brings me the joy and satisfaction of being able to balance my professional career with my – also challenging – role as a mother.
Question 3
What advantages does your line manager have in supporting your work model?
It would be difficult to work in an international environment with different time zones and lots of travelling in a conventional, rigid workplace model. My line manager recognizes that my flexible availability is beneficial for Henkel and an important motivation/retention factor for me.
Question 4
Did the opportunity to work under flexible conditions significantly influence your decision to continue working?
Definitely, yes. My family is as important as Henkel and I would never agree to work for a company that would prevent me from spending some time with my family.