I joined EG in January 2020. The impression during my interview was one of a company with an open and warm culture. This impression was confirmed as soon as I started at EG. A few weeks after my start, I became a father for the second time, this time to my daughter Elou. One of the values of EG, ‘Agility’, was applied right away: I got an individual onboarding program, so I could be with my extended family.
As a Quality Assurance Manager, I’m part of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Department. Together with my team, we make sure that all the products we put on the market, are quality approved and in line with the legislation. It’s a very dynamic environment because you never know how your day is going to look and that makes the job very interesting.
Considering the corona measures, I’m working from home for the first time. At first, I was quite hesitant: was everything going to be managed? But we’ve gotten a lot of support from IT, and there was no problem to switch. My biggest challenge has been working from home with a 3-year-old and a 2-month-old baby. In the meantime, I’ve changed my work rhythm and my colleagues are now used to the fact that they will sometimes hear cries or a little boy asking if daddy is finishing work soon.
Morning
Morning
06:00 – I’m turning on my pc
Because I always get up early and I can focus best in the morning, I put my alarm at 5.30. My morning routine consists of me freshening up and watching the news. I’m at my desk at 6 o’clock and I’m starting my day! While everyone else is still sleeping, I’m looking through my emails and preparing for the meetings of the day.
08u15 – My family is waking up
First my daughter Elou, then my son Briek.
09:00 – Meeting time
While the kids are waking up calmly and Hanna is trying to entertain them until noon, I’m back at my pc. Because of the current situation, all meetings are now via MS Teams. This works very well, but I miss social contact, and the delicious coffee at the office. Luckily, I sometimes have an assistant that keeps me company.
Lunch
Lunch
LUNCH
12:00 – Food is life
I love to eat. That’s also one of the dangers of working from home: biscuits and candy are never far. During my lunch break, I always go to see if the cows are okay with Briek.
Afternoon
Afternoon
I’M DOING SOME PROJECT WORK AND THEN, ENJOYING THE REST OF THE DAY
13:00 – I’m doing some project work and looking at what needs to be done tomorrow
My girlfriend goes to the grandparents with the children. Meanwhile, I can continue to work in a quiet environment. No more meetings today. I’m concentrating on some projects and discussing with my team on who can come to the office tomorrow for releases. I can count on a very dynamic and enthusiastic team.
The end of the day
The end of the day
I’M TURNING OFF MY PC AND I’M OFF TO ENJOYING THE WEATHER
16:30 – I’m turning off my pc and I’m off to enjoying the weather
Now that I’m working from home, I have more free time to play with the kids and to take more walks. I’m also participating in two cycling races in September, that helps me to have an objective. Let’s hope that we will be able to go out more soon. I’m also cooking more often, but I’ll never be a professional chef!
