SHE is #railcore
17. 05. 2021
Here at the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, we know that diverse teams are the key to success. As we aspire to live out equality on all levels, we bring together a broad range of know-how, skills and experience in our company. This is an advantage for our staff too, who grow as they interact with colleagues and expand their horizons; all of this happens from the very start!
We asked staff how they experience diversity in their personal working day.
Our apprentices in particular emphasise the fact that our efforts to achieve more gender diversity are working. We are proud to say that already 45% of our apprentices are female. Larissa and Jan are doing an apprenticeship in the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group. They tell us about their experiences with diverse teams.
Larissa, 20, Graz
What do you do in the RCG and how long have you been there?
I currently work as a forwarding specialist in the Service Delivery division in Graz and I have been here since September 2017. In July 2021, I will take my final apprenticeship exam and start working in the department.
Which characteristics are particularly important in your job?
My work requires enthusiasm, responsibility, being a team player, a willingness to learn, precision and reliability. Openness and tolerance towards other people are firmly embedded in the apprentice training in the RCG.
Where do you see the advantages of a diverse team?
Everyone has different ways of thinking, attitudes, experiences and abilities – I see that as very positive. As a result of this diversity, tasks and conflicts are considered from a variety of perspectives and better results are achieved together as a team. In my opinion, diversity helps us to make the most of our colleagues’ talents and improve the company’s culture.
What do you enjoy about working in a diverse team?
I like interacting with so many different personalities on a daily basis and getting to know new people. Over time, you get an insight into all kinds of business areas and jobs. You also learn to understand other people’s points of view better. Daily interactions with shunting staff, the vehicle inspectors and transit suppliers in particular shows me again and again how diverse the RCG is.
Do you feel that you do your job differently to your male / female colleagues?
No, I don’t feel that. Gender doesn’t matter, in my opinion. Everyone has their own way of working and how you complete your work depends on your personality. The important thing is that the end result is right and our customers are satisfied.
In your experience, where do the genders complement each other well in terms of team work and where are there challenges?
I don’t see any difference in the way we work. As a woman, I don’t feel like I have to work more or less than my male colleagues. Before my apprenticeship, I already knew that equality was really important at the RCG. I’ve seen it in action all throughout my apprenticeship.
Jan, 22, Villach
What do you do in the RCG and how long have you been there?
For almost two years, I have been doing an apprenticeship in the RCG as a forwarding agent in Fürnitz, and I’ll be completing it this year in July. My training has been carried out on a rotational basis in different divisions in the RCG and I will be actively supporting the Sales team in Villach from summer 2021.
Which characteristics are particularly important in your job?
As well as fundamental railway-specific knowledge, a good knowledge of geography is certainly an advantage. You also need a certain empathy for customers.
Where do you see the advantages of a diverse team?
A broad range of knowledge is covered in diverse teams. This means that a solution is usually found quickly even with complex problems. The different perspectives also help to avoid the infamous tunnel vision.
What do you enjoy about working in a diverse team?
Interacting with lots of different personalities. This leads to exciting ideas and helps you learn new things. It doesn’t just help me with my work, but also beyond it.
Do you feel that you do your job differently to your male / female colleagues?
No, I don’t get that impression. In my job as a forwarding agent, there’s no difference between how men and women do the work. This question shouldn’t even need to be asked, especially when it comes to mental activities.
In your experience, where do the genders complement each other well in terms of team work and where are there challenges?
With diverse projects, men and women’s points of view can sometimes seem different to begin with but in the end, they find a common denominator – a result that suits everyone and that’s actually the best one as it takes all the different points of view into account.
