At Fidamc, innovation is not only reflected in laboratories or R&D projects, but also in the way people are encouraged and supported. The organisation is undergoing a profound transformation, not only technologically, but also in human terms. We spoke to Cristina Alia, Director of Human Resources, to learn more about Next to You, the programme that brings together the company's wellness, development and work-life balance initiatives, and to reflect on how talent and leadership are evolving in the ever-changing field of composite materials.
How did the idea for the Next to You programme come about and what are its objectives?
The idea arose from a conversation with our CEO, in which we set ourselves the challenge of creating a global programme that would bring together and give coherence to all the actions we carry out in terms of well-being, development, work-life balance and benefits for people.
Until then, we had numerous initiatives, but they were not integrated under a single structure. There was no framework to present them in an orderly, clear and accessible way for everyone.
The main objective of 'Next to You' was precisely that: to give visibility and coherence to everything Fidamc does to take care of its team, highlighting not only the tangible benefits, but also those aspects that reflect our commitment to the comprehensive wellbeing and personal and professional development of our people.
The programme covers a wide range of areas, from training to work-life balance. What aspects do you think have the greatest impact on the team's well-being?
Without a doubt, flexibility and work-life balance measures are among the most valued aspects. They allow people to balance their personal and professional lives, something that more and more people are prioritising. But I would also highlight development and continuous learning.
The younger generations are not just looking for a job, but for a company whose values align with their own. Among other things, they value social responsibility, diversity, work-life balance and wellbeing.
So, it is not enough to attract talent: you have to retain it, and to do that, you have to motivate it. That is the essence of Next to You.
Next to You is also committed to personal and professional development. How does Fidamc ensure that this growth is individualised?
Our goal is to accompany each person's development in a personalised way, helping each professional to visualise their progress and strengths. To do this, we are promoting a model that allows us to identify skills, detect potential and design development plans tailored to each person.
The key is to differentiate between performance and potential, something that remains a challenge in many organisations. Leadership cannot be limited to measuring results: it must inspire, develop and accompany.
That is why we work with our leaders to ensure they are authentic role models, capable of fostering learning and helping each person achieve their best.
As we often say, the manager has killed the boss: leadership based on collaboration and empathy has replaced the authoritarian and hierarchical command of the past.
In a sector as technical as composites, how does Human Resources contribute to driving innovation?
Innovation does not come solely from technology, but from the people who make it possible. Our role in Human Resources is to create the right environment for that innovation to flourish.
We do this through agile processes, digital tools and a collaborative culture that allows people to focus on adding value. We also encourage continuous training, ensuring that our teams are always up to date and able to develop their full potential.
The transformation of the sector is enormous (digitalisation, automation, sustainability, artificial intelligence), but behind every advance there are always people. If we invest in them today, the future of the sector will take off stronger than ever.
What sets Fidamc apart in terms of talent management?
What sets us apart is the close relationship and comprehensive approach we take to our work. At Fidamc, we firmly believe that people are the driving force behind innovation. We are committed to a culture of trust, flexibility and transparency, where everyone feels listened to and valued.
Furthermore, we see talent management as a complete cycle: attracting, developing and retaining. In the past, it was human resources managers who sought out candidates, but now it is the candidates who seek out and choose where they want to work.
In one sentence, how would you define 'Next to You?
'Next to You' reflects Fidamc's commitment to people: a way of telling them that we are by their side, accompanying them in their professional development and personal well-being.
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