We wanted to give our readers a look into the lives of the people at Polyvision, and what better way than through gratitude – the quality of being thankful, and the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, but it has made us even more grateful for our team members.
We understand that a company is made great by its employees, so we asked Polyvision team members from around the globe to answer a few questions. Here’s what they had to say:
Ashley Brown | Global Marketing Director | Atlanta, GA, USA
What does “gratitude” mean to you?
To me, gratitude is about acknowledging the good in my life (and around me) and showing appreciation for that. A grateful heart is the foundation for being able to see more beauty in each day.
How have this year’s setbacks allowed you to express gratitude?
The pandemic has made me realize the things that are most important in life. There were several months during the shutdown when I was stressed because I was taking care of a toddler and trying to work full-time. But when I intentionally looked for the good, I realized how grateful I am that I still had a job – a flexible one that allowed me to work remotely at odd hours and that I was able to spend more time with my toddler who would typically be at daycare.
What do you do to express gratitude outside of work?
I actually keep a “Gratitude journal” where I write down 3-5 things that I am grateful for every day and try not to repeat the same things. It can be hard to do on tough days, but when you focus on what you’re grateful for, you tend to complain less and have a more positive outlook on life. I also try to show appreciation for the things I’m grateful for. It could be as simple as my husband taking out the trash or washing the dishes after dinner and intentionally saying, “thank you, I appreciate your help today.”
What is your favorite thing about working at Polyvision?
The people you work with make all the difference in your mood and energy each day, and Polyvision has lot of great people!
How does our company express gratitude to the world?
Polyvision has done a lot of work in our local communities – from giving plant tours to local high-schoolers to learn more about future career opportunities, to donating pantry items and gifts to our local United Way program. We also did a large outreach in India to equip under-resourced schools with proper writing surfaces. I had the opportunity of going to India to and helping with this program – talk about gratitude! These kids were so excited for a new whiteboard they couldn’t sit still! I came home with a renewed appreciation for the things we typically take for granted.
Barbara Rochus | Project Manager, R+D | Genk, Belgium
What does “gratitude” mean to you?
Gratitude for me is about appreciating and being thankful. Whether it’s an act of kindness from a colleague, or whether it is my family and friends being there for me.
How have this year’s setbacks allowed you to express gratitude?
Although I miss my friends, the festivals, and trips we’ve planned in 2020, I definitely do not miss the pre-COVID busy weekends full of social obligations. We’ve found different ways of staying in touch with friends now, and we are creative to make those moments special as well. I’m also experimenting in the kitchen a lot now, as all of the restaurants are closed in Belgium.
What has been unique or new in your life due to the events of this year?
I found it really challenging to combine my home-office with children in the house, but we’re all used to this new structure now. Being home with minimal social contacts, for me, requires a healthy and positive mindset. So, to avoid feeling miserable and to avoid gaining COVID-kilos on top of that, I’ve picked up sporting activities more than ever before. Intensive training sessions and long walks in nature are extremely relaxing.
What do you do to express gratitude outside of work?
I’m the secretary of a volunteer parent committee of my daughter’s school. We organize activities to fund school infrastructure, school trips, and invest in healthy habits in the school environment. Also, since the onset of COVID-19 I do the weekly groceries for my elderly neighbors. Small effort for me, but great help for them!
What is your favorite thing about working at Polyvision?
Definitely the international context, it’s so great to work with different people all over the world. I also love the variation and challenges I still find every day in my job. And last but not least, the great colleagues.
How does our company express gratitude to the world?
In product engineering, we select materials that are recyclable, and in operations we find new ways to reduce waste. The Genk site uses renewable energy sources to limit our ecological footprint, and our products are used to help educate children all over the world. For me that is Polyvision saying ‘Thank you’ to the world.
Erik Bouman | Material Handling, Forklift | Genk, Belgium
What does “gratitude” mean to you?
Life is given to us, and gratitude is a not so much a word as it is a lifestyle to be obtained. A way of living with the understanding I need to grow, knowing I’ll never reach its limit. I strive for it by seeking to gain a better understanding of my inclination to be selfish and egocentric of heart. A thankful person is a person who understands deep down that he has need of other people to supplement his shortcomings and inadequacies. So, in short, gratitude is not a noun to look at but a verb to be practiced in order to become a thankful person. A thankful person is a nice person to be with, work with and live with.
How have this year’s setbacks allowed you to express gratitude?
For me personally, it’s shown me that I am more prone to be thankful for the “special” things I receive or experience rather than for the ordinary things. During the lockdown, I became more aware of the “normal” things in life give and the lack of gratitude in my heart for them. COVID-19 has been a good reminder to count my blessings.
What has been unique or new in your life due to the events of this year?
During COVID-19 we have been very limited in our contact with people, both privately and at work. With all the great technology we have, we all value personal contact above everything else. As a human being, I have longed for more personal connections and valued personal eye–to–eye contact more than ever before. We are relational beings and need personal contact.
What do you do to express gratitude outside of work?
Gratitude for the sake of gratitude is like love without an object. It needs an object to express itself and it is more than a nice feeling. So first I express my thankfulness to God who created and saved me, giving me many good things to enjoy and many great people to live and work with. Beside that, I look for specific ways to say “thank you” to the people around me, in my marriage, family, friends and at church whether by way of a note, phone call, letter of short text message.
What is your favorite thing about working at Polyvision?
I just love my job at Polyvision! I know it sounds cliché. The major factor in this is the fact that leadership has given me a tremendous amount of trust and freedom to do my job. They have stimulated my creativity and support me through difficult situations and challenging times. Through that, I have grown in my job and it created a sense of ownership in me.
How does our company express gratitude to the world?
I see it in the small things. Our company is working hard to protect the environment is socially engaged in supporting local charity initiatives. There is more to Polyvision than making profit, and I hope it stays that way.
Karin Lam | Regional Market Manager | Hong Kong
What does “gratitude” mean to you?
Gratitude is from the Latin word “gratus/ grata,” which means being thankful and grateful by receipt of kindness. It can be tangible or intangible. I feel thankful when I receive kindness, help or generosity from someone, and I believe gratitude comes from your inner self. It is a positive emotion of appreciation, not only for what you are receiving, but for the ability to appreciate the people and things around you and not taking them for granted. With gratefulness, you will become a more resilient person capable self-acceptance, coping with different situations, and understand the purpose in life.
How have this year’s setbacks allowed you to express gratitude?
Most of 2020, I have been working from home and unable to travel for work or leisure. It was quite alright at the beginning, feeling fresh in my new role and spending less time commuting for work. About mid-way through the year, though, it became more difficult.
I began to rework my schedule and set up a better home office environment to support my daily work. I am so thankful for the chance to experience these challenges while receiving support from colleagues, customers, friends and family, allowing me to become more adaptable.
What has been unique or new in your life due to the events of this year?
I have more “me” time to listen to myself better. Understanding myself more and learning which lifestyle changes work best for me has kept me happy and healthy. I recommend taking time to listen yourself more often, appreciate people, nature and the things surrounding you. Take this holiday season to slow your pace and recharge yourself. Everyone at Polyvision has worked so hard this year, and we all deserve to a lovely, peaceful holiday filled with love.
What do you do to express gratitude outside of work?
I am so lucky to be surrounded with nice people and a great environment. Engaging in activities like hiking, art, baking or enjoying home-cooked meals with people who I am grateful for, creates wonderful moments and experiences. I spend time appreciating both the beautiful nature and city vibes of Hong Kong, keep pollution minimal by taking public transport, and mindfully create less waste. I’ve made efforts to smile a bit more with neighbors while offering my help and a listening ear. I love my hometown and the people and cherish what we have here.
What is your favorite thing about working at Polyvision?
Personally, I enjoy the work culture, style and environment at Polyvision. Polyvision and our team empower employees by providing flexibility, a certain degree of autonomy, and control of our work. Everyone on our team has different personalities, but through our trust in one another we have built a well-rounded team. I am so grateful to be part of it.
How does our company express gratitude to the world?
Polyvision thrives on the ingenuity of individuals. Being committed to providing quality tools for education to support a better learning environment for the next generation. We are thankful to be part of many CSR project to support under–resourced schools.
Polyvision always makes the sustainable choice, taking into account all aspects of sustainability to minimize any negative impact to the environment. The launch of our Hygienic CeramicSteel Surface now offers a solution for physical and emotional safety. Polyvision upholds our part in making the world a better place and contributes to maintaining the health of our beautiful Earth.
Ed La Selva | Global Manager, Architectural Product Development + Custom Products | Atlanta, GA, USA
What does “gratitude” mean to you?
Appreciating the chance to take something positive away from each day.
How have this year’s setbacks allowed you to express gratitude?
Tomorrow’s not guaranteed, and the COVID-19 crisis has shattered people’s families, livelihoods and perspectives on a whole variety of things. So, I’ve realized I need to strive toward understanding and respecting others’ perspectives and beliefs.
What has been unique or new in your life due to the events of this year?
We adopted Little Debbie, The Rescue Dog. I still haven’t figured out who adopted who, and she’s not so little anymore!
What do you do to express gratitude outside of work?
We always support several charities and our church; however, I’ve found I’m saying “Thank You” a lot more often. Funny how that can make someone’s day.
What is your favorite thing about working at Polyvision?
It may sound a little cliché, but I truly enjoy the people, the work environment, and how we all get along with each other.
How does our company express gratitude to the world?
Inside the company, there is an appreciation of the fact that people make companies successful. Outside the company, our products improve the environments which surround them while also educating, informing and allowing people to communicate regardless of where they are in the world.