Appreciating that diversity unlocks innovation and fosters collaboration, Schneider Electric maintains processes to identify female talent and to accelerate their careers. This includes offering both female and male employees the opportunity to pursue flexible work options to help them attain a greater work-life balance.
In recognition of the International Day of Families, we spoke to women at Schneider Electric who are sucessfully balancing family life with rewarding careers. Meet Natasha Blaker who works as Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist at Eurotherm Ltd UK at Schneider Electric.
A dream job
Natasha started 16 years ago looking after company cars, mobile phones and assets, progressed to role of Executive Assistant then moved to role of EHS Specialist. This was following completion of her NEBOSH NGC training which she undertook with the full support of the company with the view to progress into a Health and Safety role. This was her dream job and has been a real stretch for her. Learning a new subject, attending college, passing exams, having the confidence to take on the challenge - are all important factors.
Exciting projects at Schneider Electric
"I implemented ISO 14001 standard (Environmental Management System) in 2016. Currently I am working towards ISO 50001 standard (Energy Management System) on the ASPIRE project. As part of the UK&I HSS Council (Health, Safety and Sustainability) I represent the former Invensys sites at a country level with the Schneider Electric UK&I SERE team," explains Natasha.
Making the request for flexible working
"I requested this as part of my return to work from maternity leave. That was 8 years ago and things have become easier to request flexible working."
Schneider Electric supports women's careers
"I have never felt that my ability to be able to work flexibly has been negative. As my children get older I can give more and it’s that flexibility which is beneficial to both my family and my employer."
Advice for mother’s returning to work
"It can feel really daunting returning to work after maternity leave. You have to try to find a happy medium for both you, your family and work and the ability to apply for flexible working is a great way to help you come back into the workplace. It can be challenging but also really rewarding and the support of a good manager is key. You aren’t just a mum."
Schneider Electric has many initiatives supporting the advancement of women's careers through to executive level including diversity days, maternity leave policy, network activities, women leaders events, gender workshop for leaders, women in leadership program and more. Why not get on board and take a look at these current vacancies with this top employer.
Find out more
Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.