Doug Hieber, Sr. Application Architect
March 20, 2015
Every company has employees with varied skills and backgrounds, but why is this a good thing? In this blog post, the author explores the diversity at Strasz, and how it not only helps us “take care of business,” but also creates a work environment rich with respect, acceptance, and learning.
Aretha Franklin’s version of the song “Respect” was running through my head this morning, but as the song went through my mind I substituted the word “respect” with “diversity.”
D-I-V-E-R-SI-TY.
Find out what it means to me.
D-I-V-E-R-SI-TY.
Take care, TCB.
We have a diverse group of people here at Strasz. Sure, every company has a vast set of skills: management, technical, sales, business, etc., but our diversity goes much deeper than that. We have men and women from Hong Kong, England, China, Lebanon, Japan, India, Russia, Jamaica, and of course the United States. Some of my colleagues are early in their careers, and some like the old guard such as myself. We collectively possess an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and experience from our years in the following industries: assessments, telecommunications, healthcare, insurance, retail, and financial, as well as a wide range of hobbies and interests.
Why is this a good thing?
“What it means to me” is the opportunity to work in an environment that is fun and interesting. Work spaces are designed to increase communication and interaction. People truly get to know one another. The obvious result is that friendships are formed and one looks forward to seeing people at work. Over the years, my fellow employees have treated me to dozens of stories and experiences from their time all over the world. One co-worker told us about emigrating from Hong Kong as a 15 year old with minimal English skills and being dropped into a Brooklyn high school. Another spoke of the differences between Russian and American fashion. And I’ve also learned much about India’s culture. Getting advice for an upcoming trip to Europe from several people who grew up there makes going to work more than just going to a job.
At work, I learn more than just technology or certifications. When my son started Boy Scouts, an Eagle Scout co-worker told me more about the process. When I was curious about how gas mileage fluctuates as it gets cold, I asked someone whose hobby is modifying cars. And when someone was traveling to Moab, I was able to offer plenty of tips on what to do and see.
As Aretha would say, this helps us “TCB” (Take Care of Business). Strasz encourages an open, social atmosphere where ideas are freely exchanged, discussed, and debated so that the best solution does not come from one person’s ideas, but rather from a blend of several viewpoints. Often, the most difficult challenges can often be tackled by applying a collaborative, diverse mindset.
At Strasz, this is exactly how we take care of business. We follow a simple, proven recipe:
- Fold each employee’s work experience, skills, and talents into the group.
- Stir in diverse personal backgrounds, hobbies, and interests.
- Mix in open and honest communication.
- Bake in a layer of leadership that helps organize and shape all the group’s ideas into usable concepts.
The definition of diversity encompasses the spirit of respect and acceptance. Everyone is included and welcome. Nowhere is that more true than at Strasz.
Doug Hieber, Senior Application Architect
March 20, 2015
Every company has employees with varied skills and backgrounds, but why is this a good thing? In this blog post, the author explores the diversity at Strasz, and how it not only helps us “take care of business,” but also creates a work environment rich with respect, acceptance, and learning.
Aretha Franklin’s version of the song “Respect” was running through my head this morning, but as the song went through my mind I substituted the word “respect” with “diversity.”
D-I-V-E-R-SI-TY.
Find out what it means to me.
D-I-V-E-R-SI-TY.
Take care, TCB.
We have a diverse group of people here at Strasz. Sure, every company has a vast set of skills: management, technical, sales, business, etc., but our diversity goes much deeper than that. We have men and women from Hong Kong, England, China, Lebanon, Japan, India, Russia, Jamaica, and of course the United States. Some of my colleagues are early in their careers, and some like the old guard such as myself. We collectively possess an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and experience from our years in the following industries: assessments, telecommunications, healthcare, insurance, retail, and financial, as well as a wide range of hobbies and interests.
Why is this a good thing?
“What it means to me” is the opportunity to work in an environment that is fun and interesting. Work spaces are designed to increase communication and interaction. People truly get to know one another. The obvious result is that friendships are formed and one looks forward to seeing people at work. Over the years, my fellow employees have treated me to dozens of stories and experiences from their time all over the world. One co-worker told us about emigrating from Hong Kong as a 15 year old with minimal English skills and being dropped into a Brooklyn high school. Another spoke of the differences between Russian and American fashion. And I’ve also learned much about India’s culture. Getting advice for an upcoming trip to Europe from several people who grew up there makes going to work more than just going to a job.
At work, I learn more than just technology or certifications. When my son started Boy Scouts, an Eagle Scout co-worker told me more about the process. When I was curious about how gas mileage fluctuates as it gets cold, I asked someone whose hobby is modifying cars. And when someone was traveling to Moab, I was able to offer plenty of tips on what to do and see.
As Aretha would say, this helps us “TCB” (Take Care of Business). Strasz encourages an open, social atmosphere where ideas are freely exchanged, discussed, and debated so that the best solution does not come from one person’s ideas, but rather from a blend of several viewpoints. Often, the most difficult challenges can often be tackled by applying a collaborative, diverse mindset.
At Strasz, this is exactly how we take care of business. We follow a simple, proven recipe:
- Fold each employee’s work experience, skills, and talents into the group.
- Stir in diverse personal backgrounds, hobbies, and interests.
- Mix in open and honest communication.
- Bake in a layer of leadership that helps organize and shape all the group’s ideas into usable concepts.
The definition of diversity encompasses the spirit of respect and acceptance. Everyone is included and welcome. Nowhere is that more true than at Strasz.