#MeetOurTeam – Maria

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I prefer working at the office where I can socialize with colleagues, but I also utilize the option to work from home occasionally. Typically, my day starts with a cup of cappuccino at the office before I dive into my tasks. A typical workday for me is highly varied, as I support managers and employees with a wide range of challenges and questions, both big and small. Additionally, I always strive to make things better and smoother within our company by working on improvement projects and internal processes. It's important for me to keep up with the latest HR trends and figure out how we can use them at Cegal. Basically, my days are never the same, but that's exactly why I enjoy being part of the People Experience team and working with Human Resources. Every day brings something different, and I love the variety it offers. 

International Women's Day on March 8th - what are your thoughts on this? What does Cegal do? 

The significance of International Women's Day on March 8th lies in its recognition of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's rights worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work yet to be done in achieving full inclusion and empowerment for women in all spheres of life. 

At Cegal, we actively participate in this global movement by embracing the theme of #InspireInclusion for International Women's Day 2024. This theme underscores the importance of inspiring others to understand and value women's inclusion, thereby creating a more equitable and diverse world. By fostering a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment among women, we contribute to building a more inclusive society. 

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are hosting gatherings in our respective offices to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of women in Cegal. The celebration symbolizes our acknowledgment of the strength, resilience, and triumphs of women globally, underscoring our unwavering dedication to equality and inclusivity. 

What is important for you and Cegal to achieve success?

Defining success in my job may be challenging, but it is imperative that support functions serve as a strong backbone for the business. This begins with providing robust support to our employees throughout their entire journey with us, from their first day to their last, encompassing all aspects of the employee journey and experience. Happy employees define success for me!  

What drives you at work and in your role, what's fun?

In my role as a People Advisor at Cegal, various factors motivate me. What I find most fulfilling is the opportunity to work with people in a dynamic industry. I enjoy solving challenges and contributing to fostering a positive work culture, which promotes both individual and organizational success.  

I find it incredibly fun to collaborate and work alongside highly skilled colleagues, leveraging each other's expertise to achieve collective goals. Being part of such a vibrant team inspires me to continuously learn and grow, both personally and professionally!  

You have been newly elected as the leader of Women at Cegal. Can you share a bit about what your group does?

As the newly appointed leader of Women at Cegal, I'm tremendously excited about the meaningful role we have in shaping a more inclusive future for women in technology within our organization. 

Women at Cegal functions as an internal network and platform within Cegal, where we curate both professional and social activities for all female employees. Our primary mission is to enhance the presence of women in the technology industry. By doing so, we aim to make Cegal an even more attractive workplace for female job seekers as well as our current employees. Through the exchange of experiences, fostering skill development, and nurturing personal growth, we aspire to redefine the workplace of the future. At the heart of our endeavors lie our values: connecting, inspiring, and empowering women. We are for instance, proud to be platinum partners with ODA, the largest Nordic network for women in the technology industry, and have several meaningful events planned in collaboration with them throughout the year.  

I am deeply committed to this cause and feel profoundly privileged and humbled to lead this exceptional board of dedicated women who strive to make an impact. I'm excited for 2024 and all the great progress we'll make with Women at Cegal!   

We have recently introduced our new Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Would you like to know more about what this entails?

Our EVP, or Employee Value Proposition, essentially encapsulates the commitment Cegal makes to our employees, embodied in the motto You Matter! It's rooted in our core values of being, inclusive, fuss fighters and super skilled. As an employee of Cegal, you can expect to experience a work environment where you're not just a number, but truly seen, heard, and appreciated for who you are. We prioritize creating a space where you can authentically be yourself, while also fostering opportunities for continuous learning and personal growth. But It's equally important for each employee to uphold this culture and extend the same openness to others, hence the dual significance of You Matter and I Matter.  

While our EVP reflects the values we already embody as an organization, formalizing it allows us to solidify these principles within our company culture, ensuring they remain integral to everything we do.  

What is the best thing about working in Cegal?

Working at Cegal offers an exciting experience due to its rapid growth and dynamic environment. Being part of a company that is continually expanding provides numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. The sense of progress and momentum within the organization adds an extra layer of excitement to everyday work, fueling motivation and a sense of purpose. Moreover, the collaborative culture at Cegal fosters innovation and encourages employees to explore new ideas, contributing to a stimulating work environment, along with the trust and support extended to me by both my manager and colleagues, which empower me to thrive and excel in my role. 

Would you like to work in Cegal? Check out our available positions here > 

Read more about what it's like working at Cegal >

Do you use AI in your job? How?

Yes, I do! I use AI as a sparring partner and support on a weekly basis. However, it's important to emphasize that when working in HR, one must be quite conscious that sensitive data is not entered into tools like ChatGPT or other AI bots that are available. 

Is there anything else fun we should know about you?

🐾 I'm the proud owner of Leo, my adorable Maltipoo who never fails to keep me entertained with his playful antics. 

🍽️ I consider myself a bit of a foodie—I just can't resist exploring the diverse restaurant and cafés here in Oslo. Whether it's hosting dinner parties at my place or trying out the latest culinary hotspots, I'm always up for a delicious adventure. 

👫 I'm a social butterfly at heart and nothing beats spending quality time with family and friends over a home-cooked meal or a cozy gathering at my place. 

🎾 Recently, I've discovered a newfound passion for tennis, and I'm absolutely loving it! It's such a fun and exhilarating sport, and I'm determined to stick with it and improve my game.

Tennis training - Cegal team 💚