«Gender Equality already begins in childhood. This message is beautifully expressed in our Advancine by Tamara L. Thompson.»
Nora Teuwsen, Chairperson Country Management Committee ABB Switzerland
Interview with nora teuwsen
«Stronger when equal»: We are all stronger when we are equal. What does that mean for you personally?
I am convinced that diverse and inclusive teams act more creatively and innovatively and develop better solutions together. Gender equality is an important aspect with this goal in mind which we are committed to. Be it with the targeted development and promotion of female talents, or by getting girls excited about technology as early as possible and awakening their curiosity for technical professions.
Because «gender equality» already begins in childhood. This message is beautifully expressed in our «Advancine» by Tamara Thompson.
At the same time, we understand gender equality as a holistic issue that encompasses many facets and for which we are equally committed.
What advice for creating an inclusive and diverse work environment could you have used as a young leader?
As a young leader at the time, I would have liked to have been encouraged more, to be courageous, to question existing structures and to break them up.
However, I don’t want to limit this to the role of the young leader. I see creating an inclusive and diverse work environment as a task that concerns all leaders and employees equally. And this is exactly the understanding I have come across at ABB. For example, topics such as impartiality and equality are addressed in unconscious bias trainings at all management levels.
«My husband and I have always attached great importance to treating our daughter and son equally and to teaching equal role models in family life.»
What would you tell young people who would like to have a career and a family? How should we raise our children to achieve gender equality faster?
Address early on what the joint life model with family and career should look like. It is essential to address individual needs openly. These can also change over time. That’s why it’s important to address the topic of the life model together again and again.
I also think it is important not to be afraid to delegate tasks. Asking for support relieves the burden and is not a weakness.
When it comes to raising children for an equal future, I see the parents as role models – be it in the example of equal role models, but also by talking openly about it. My husband and I have always attached great importance to treating our daughter and son equally and to teaching equal role models in family life.
10 years of Advance, on the road with the mission «Gender equality and diversity in the cadres of Swiss business»: What is your wish for progress in gender balance for the next ten years? And how do you see the role of leaders on this journey?
My wish is that equality no longer has to be an issue, but that equality is lived as a matter of course. Unfortunately, we are not there yet.
In my opinion, leaders have a very important role to play on the way there. They should set a good example, raise the issue of gender equality and play an active role in creating a flexible and inclusive working environment. As a mentor, they can make an important contribution to promoting young female talent in the company. I also think it is important that even more male ABB allies stand up for the issue internally as well as externally.
At the same time, it is crucial that they themselves have access to instruments, tools and networks in order to be able to authentically fulfil this role model function; for example, in the form of a D&I learning path or mentoring programs, or with the help of a guide for inclusive language. Our language influences our thinking and vice versa. The mindful use of words can go a long way.
How much of your time do you invest in the household? If you have a family or live in partnership, is this work divided equally? What is your favourite household chore?
I invest little time in the household overall. For many chores we have consciously organized assistance. We have divided up the daily tasks, which of course still arise. Everyone does their share, it’s teamwork. However, the fact that the children always perform their tasks dutifully is sometimes quite a challenge at their current prepubescent age. We’re working on it😊.
When I have time and leisure, I like to cook for my family and friends.
abb has chosen the «advancine» «INNER CHILD» by TAMARA L. THOMPSON
Partner companies of the exhibition could choose an «Advancine» as part of their sponsorship, which will continue to inspire employees, managers and customers after the exhibition at the company headquarters.
Discover the artwork «Inner Child» by Tamara L. Thompson!
Artwork «Inner Child»
in discussion with abb
How are gender equality and equal opportunities related to the commercial success of your company?
Diversity means strength! We are convinced that an inclusive and diverse working environment has a significant impact on innovation and creativity, and thus has a positive effect on business success. Gender equality and equal opportunities are essential components of our Diversity & Inclusion strategy.
By signing the UN Women’s Principles last year, we sent out another important signal in this regard. And locally, too, we have been involved in targeted activities to promote and develop women for many years.
what are your most successful measures to balance the gender distribution in management?
Support programs and coaching offers
With initiatives such as the «Female Mentoring Program», which has over 200 participants worldwide, and thriving talent coaching for parents-to-be and involved managers, ABB proactively supports women in shaping their careers and is committed to their advancement and development.
Flexible ways of working
To improve the work-life balance, we place great emphasis on flexible work arrangements. For example, our remote work policy allows employees to work up to 80 percent from home or from a flexible and mobile location other than their usual workplace. We also want to give all parents more flexibility and freedom in caring for their children through gender-neutral parental leave.
Promoting exchange and dialog
It is very important to us to encourage women to network with each other, but also to promote dialog in general. We offer platforms for this through internal and external networks. For example, we are a supporting member of SVIN, the Swiss Association of Women Engineers. At events such as last year’s ABB Gender Equality Week or the #wetechtogether Conference, we also specifically promote dialogue on equal opportunities and gender diversity.
Why did you choose the «ADVANCINE» «INNER CHILD»? What message would you like to convey to your employees and beyond?
Gender equality starts in childhood. We are shaped by our environment at an early age. That’s why we are committed to getting girls in particular interested in technology as early as possible. With the «Technology Days for Girls», the «Imagineering project» or the «Magic Cube», we want to provide playful access to technology and thus raise fascination for this professional world.
Being a child also means being carefree and curious. Curiosity as one of our four ABB values characterizes our culture. We want our employees to be curious and to dare to break new ground in order to drive innovation and progress.
The artist of our Advancine, Tamara L. Thompson, also expresses the two aspects «early childhood imprinting» and «curiosity» in her playful project.
apprenticeship at abb switzerland
CARE: You are in good hands at ABB, because we take care of each other. The apprentice-tutors take care of introducing you to the daily work routine and are always available to answer any questions you may have.
COLLABORATION: No matter which apprenticeship you learn at ABB, good cooperation is guaranteed. Because we all work together. We enable you to use your strengths and to act responsibly for the team.
COURAGE: Are you courageous and not afraid to break new ground? We offer you the perfect opportunity to try out new things and learn.
CURIOSITY: Are you curious? We are – at ABB we are always one step ahead. Give yourself an advantage by completing your apprenticeship with us.
https://new.abb.com/ch/lehre
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