Female power in the Ganter Group

'I personally don't feel that way as a woman. I think it's more a question of character. Both in the past as an architect and today as a project manager at Ganter, I achieve my goals very well with my friendliness, politeness and respect for the person I'm dealing with. Sometimes I just have to be a little more specific.'

Paola Veronese, Senior Project Manager

'Depending on whether you have children or not, maternity leave and protection against dismissal for new mothers make a big difference. I also believe that women in Switzerland have a much wider choice of male-dominated professions. In the ten years I worked in Poland, I didn't meet a single female painter or floor layer. In Switzerland, I have met a few on construction sites. That was a very nice surprise.'

Aleksandra Moras, Technical Project Operator, Ganter Suisse

'Every now and then, during the first phone call with a supplier, it happens that they don't think you have much technical expertise or ask which colleague is in charge of the project. But that's really the exception and usually resolves itself pretty quickly. I believe that if you are open, respectful and sometimes a little more specific in your dealings with others, such prejudices are quickly dispelled. Fortunately, that wasn't a problem in the team at Ganter from the outset, as everyone works together as equals.'

Lina Fischer, Project Manager

'Basically, I think that every person is an asset in their own way. Unfortunately, in the construction industry, as is often the case in the trades, there are very few women. At Ganter, there are no differences between the sexes. For me, it's a great opportunity to get directly involved in construction topics at the Ganter Group, to be able to live out my passion and contribute new ideas. My wish for the future is that the focus when filling vacancies will be on the skills of the individual.'

Anna Pauly, Technical Project Operator

'No, the challenges I face in my day-to-day work would be the same for a man. In Controlling, we work together with the management and the division managers, but also with project managers and the commercial project assistants. To a certain extent, you have to earn the respect and appreciation of your colleagues, but I think that also applies to men.'

Claudia Roser, Manager Group Controlling

'I think it's very positive that we have equal numbers of women and men in Schenkon. This creates a great team dynamic and the collaboration is always constructive. I appreciate the helpfulness of both genders equally, whether it's my colleague sharing his expertise on building services issues or my female colleague sharing her valuable know-how on planning and implementing office fit-outs. We all benefit from the different backgrounds and experiences. It's totally enriching.'

Lorena Feulner, Technical Project Operator, Ganter Suisse

'My job brings together everything I've been involved with professionally over the last 20 years and everything I'm passionate about: Woodworking, interior design, architecture, photography and words. However, the most important thing about my work is and remains communication – both internally and externally. This is the only way to keep everything in flow and create honest connections. Communicating with women and men sometimes requires different levels of sensitivity, but always trust and a healthy dose of curiosity. At Ganter, I find it extremely easy with my colleagues because I feel the same team spirit from all sides. That really puts you in a good mood.'

Peggy Kirchenkamp, Content Marketing Manager

'Women are also talented in skilled trades, but unfortunately there are still hurdles and some adjustments that urgently need to be made, such as women's toilets. That's why I've received many rejections for apprenticeships in the carpentry trade. An absolute no-go! It's different in my current working environment: there's a very good gender balance here.'

Selina Fischer, Junior Project Manager

'The most important thing in an application process is authenticity from everyone involved. It's no good if one party pretends to be more appealing to the other. This tip applies to both women and men. What would I advise women in particular? Have more courage! Communicate openly about your successes and what makes you special! Most women have already achieved more than they admit to themselves.'

Linda Leimenstoll, HR Business Partner