I like to have new things to sink my teeth into at work, and as a product manager, there is always something to do. Adding sustainability to my position was not only a stimulating challenge but also a personal awakening. Environmental and climate issues can easily cause a great deal of anxiety, but through my work I’ve realized that together we can make change happen. I can’t say that we have done wonders yet, but we’ve got started and taken a systematic long-term approach. Small steps also lead to major changes, which is what will be required. However, we can become even better at coordinating; there is more power to be generated within the group. Currently, we are creating a policy, setting goals and prioritizing projects, to help focus our work.
“Adding sustainability to my position was not only a stimulating challenge but also a personal awakening.”
Together with suppliers, we have removed a lot of unnecessary plastic in packaging, measures that are quite easy to implement. We have also ceased with giveaways. It’s more difficult, however, to influence production and transportation when many of the products are imported. Personally, these tasks have helped me feel more hope and less despair, which surely many people feel regarding climate change. I’ve become more aware of reducing food waste, shopping more second-hand and travelling by train when the opportunity arises. It will definitely take more than just recycling at home.
“Personally, these tasks have helped me feel more hope and less despair, which surely many people feel regarding climate change.”
The short story is that eight years ago I completed a two-year YH education to become an International Purchaser. After that, I worked at an international DIY chain in Stockholm but felt the need for change and a new setting. I therefore applied for the job in Malmö, where I started out as a purchasing assistant but have since gotten more and more responsibilities. Now I work as a product manager and am also responsible for sustainability. In the future, I’d like to have the opportunity to lead others.
I moved from Stockholm because of stress. There, people are running up escalators and to the subway, for no good reason really. And it has become almost of a rule to work overtime and be extremely social. For me, it just became too much. I made a much-needed change and turned it into something positive. I actively looked for a position in Malmö, and Miljöcenter was a supplier I knew. I’ve been open about how I felt and now I have a much better relationship with myself. Now, I move at a comfortable pace and prove myself without doing a lot of overtime. As a result, I’m a more efficient and happier Erika. Work-life balance is very important. I have a hard time seeing that I would move back to Stockholm.
“Now, I move at a comfortable pace and prove myself without doing a lot of overtime. As a result, I’m a more efficient and happier Erika.”
Malmö is great because I can walk anywhere I want, preferably to my favorite park, which is actually a cemetery, but very lively, where people hang out, drink coffee, read and sit in the sun. In addition, it’s generally brighter, warmer and greener in Malmö. I recharge by spending time with my family, friends and boyfriend. My creative side is also important, to knit, paint, do puzzles or read. When I create something with my hands, I’m very much in the present. For me, working out is a necessary evil; it’s always a struggle to get going, but feels great afterwards.
Sustainability is also about the work environment, that everyone feels good, evolves both professionally and privately, and reaches their potential. Through myself, I’ve become good at reading the stress levels in others. It’s important that we take care of each other.
The Dalecarlian accent is deeply rooted in Fredrick Landgård, but […]
Committed co-workers are our most important asset. We aim to be an attractive employer with a workplace where you thrive and find space to develop at your own pace. We are always eager and curious to meet new people and make new connections. Feel free to contact our businesses directly if you are interested in seeking new opportunities or contact our CHRO Krister Svantesson at krister.svantesson@salixgroup.se.
