Meet Sandra Born-Lech: A job where you matter
“We have a very open and friendly culture, every colleague is equal and contributes towards the same goal,” says Sandra, when asked to describe the company culture at Hydro.
Starting as an apprentice, Sandra began her career in Hydro 17 years ago, following in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents, and today she works as a Project and Team Assistant. Described by her colleagues as a mentor, Sandra makes an effort to support those starting their careers at Hydro in Rackwitz, Germany.
Each year Hydro asks employees to nominate colleagues who go the extra mile for the annual Hydro People that Matter Award. The nominations are based on efforts that reflect Hydro’s values of Care, Courage and Collaboration in or outside the workplace.
Sandra was nominated for the People that Matter Award 2023, because of her warm and welcoming demeanor, setting the tone for a positive and inclusive environment. As one of eight selected recipients of the award, Sandra traveled to Oslo to experience the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and the opening of the Nobel Peace Center exhibition in December 2023.
Keep reading to learn more about Sandra and what it is like to work at Hydro.
Can you describe what receiving the People that Matter award means to you?
This award means a lot to me, and I am still speechless about it, because I am just doing my job and I love it.
You exemplify the Hydro values of Care, Courage and Collaboration beyond your daily work. What motivates you to go the extra mile?
My colleagues and my team, who I work with every day, motivate me. Even though we are separated by many kilometers, we still work well together.
It's important to stick together and support your colleagues. I've always been taught to help everyone the way you want to be helped.
Which of Hydro’s values means the most to you and why?
Collaboration: Only as ONE TEAM are we strong enough to achieve everything, we are like one big wheel in Hydro, if one of the parts breaks out of the wheel, we can no longer work properly. This applies to all Hydro locations and divisions. We can achieve so much together.
Care is also very important for me, to listen when my counterpart is not doing well and to support them.
As a true ambassador for Hydro, what do you think makes our company a great place to work?
The diversity, because at Hydro, people can develop individually and move towards new perspectives. Goals often seem impossible, but with mutual support we can achieve them.
How would you describe our company culture?
We have a very open and friendly culture, every colleague is equal and contributes towards the same goal.