Greetings, I am Misla Lagus, Research and Development Manager in the Paper & Packaging business unit at CH-Polymers. I would like to share my experiences on work-life balance, flexibility, and professional development within our team at CH-Polymers.
I started my journey at CH-Polymers back in 2016 when I joined with my master’s thesis from Åbo Akademi, focusing on the surface sizing of testliner. Since then, my role has dynamically evolved, encompassing responsibilities from Project Engineer to R&D Engineer, Project Manager and Lab Manager. Currently, I proudly serve as R&D Manager during the day, and as “mamma” by night.
Returning after a fulfilling 9-month maternity leave, I have come to appreciate the unparalleled joy of parenthood. However, when this is combined with a demanding professional career, you need to balance the two. At CH-Polymers, we provide an environment where we support team members through these significant life events.
A cornerstone of this support is our commitment to flexible working hours and remote work possibilities. This has allowed me to find a balance between my role as an R&D Manager and the responsibilities of parenthood. Working remotely from home a few days a week has given me the flexibility to be present as a parent while maintaining and managing my responsibilities at work. This flexibility was particularly beneficial when my daughter started daycare, allowing me to provide the support she needed.
At CH-Polymers, we believe that a content and fulfilled employee is a more productive one. By accepting flexible working hours, we consider the unique needs of our employees and give everyone the opportunity to find an optimal working rhythm. The modern workplace is dynamic, and offering flexibility is not just a benefit but a strategic investment in the well-being and satisfaction of our team.
I am grateful to be part of a company that not only recognizes the importance of work-life balance but also actively promotes it. My experience in recent months has shown me how important it is for a workplace to support individuals and enable them to succeed in both their professional and personal lives.