Efficient thinking – even beyond the big city
Mobile working – many people think of hip open-plan offices in Berlin lofts or Zoom meetings with a skyline view. But flexible working is also becoming increasingly important – and feasible – outside the metropolises! At Ursa-Chemie, we are actively exploring the opportunities and challenges of mobile working. Because: CHEMISTRY. EFFICIENT. HOLISTIC”. applies to us not only in the laboratory and in production, but also in everyday working life.
Mobile working – an urban privilege?
While mobile working has long been an integral part of many working models in large cities, the situation is often different in rural regions. The reasons? Traditional structures, a culture of presence and a digital infrastructure that is sometimes more reminiscent of modem times.
But why should flexibility only be reserved for cities?
Our approach: work where it makes sense
UCM also enables mobile working in rural areas – on the basis of a voluntary supplementary agreement. This allows our employees to work flexibly from home, depending on their area of responsibility. We are aware that there are two sides to everything.
Advantages for our employees:
- Less commuting pressure: Although traffic jams are less frequent in our rural surroundings, the time saved by eliminating journeys is still noticeable.
- More space: People who live in the countryside often have more space – also for a quiet and ergonomic mobile workplace.
- More peace and quiet: no street noise, no hectic open-plan offices – an environment that supports focussed work.
This also has advantages for us as an employer:
- More satisfied employees: Flexible working models improve the work-life balance – we notice this in everyday life.
- Efficiency gains: Our teams also achieve very good results in mobile working.
- Cost savings with a view to the future: less need for fixed office workstations reduces operating costs in the long term.
Of course, there are also challenges
- Slow Internet: Unfortunately a classic in rural areas.
- Fewer networking opportunities: Personal dialogue is sometimes neglected.
- Technical requirements: Mobile working must be professionally supported – hardware, software, support.
- Different options depending on the workplace: Not all activities can be carried out on the move – for example in laboratories, production or logistics.
We are aware that mobile working is simply not possible for some employees. We therefore endeavour to compensate for this disadvantage by offering other options.
But how does UCM deal with this?
As always, we have thought about it efficiently.
✔ We test the technical infrastructure on site individually.
✔ We support employees in optimising their home offices.
✔ And we conclude individual additional agreements – so that both sides have clarity and security.
The coronavirus pandemic has made mobile working a necessity. We have used the time, tested and learnt – with the result: mobile working works at UCM. That’s why it remains an integral part of our working culture.
And because work can also be fun sometimes, here is a little fun picture from the time when our yard gate was programmed. Here we have creatively depicted mobile working. Out in the open in front of our yard gate. Hopefully the weather will hold out.
At UCM, if work can be flexible, then we make it flexible. Regardless of whether it’s in the city or the country. Because good corporate culture is created through trust, freedom and efficiency.
