Focusing on diversity is a key to growth

Gender equality and diversity in the workplace are social issues. While some laws promote diversity of gender, culture, generation and life experience, more ambitious initiatives allow companies to stand out and demonstrate their commitment to these ideas.

Groupe Mutuel is a case in point. As we already mentioned in this article on diversity, the company is committed to taking these aspects into account when recruiting new staff. One of the initiatives Groupe Mutuel has taken in this regard is its participation in the “Women's Contact Day” forum in French-speaking Switzerland, which began in 2021. This event, aimed exclusively at female students, graduates and young professionals, supports them in planning their careers by discovering new perspectives and preparing for a successful professional future.

At the 2022 edition, the recruitment team of Groupe Mutuel came across a unique talent in the person of Noemi Lopez Redondo. Although she had only come to accompany a friend to the forum, she still works today as a project manager in the Marketing department of Groupe Mutuel. In this interview, she explains where she started and how she has progressed within the company.

Noemi Lopez Redondo: I knew absolutely nothing about Groupe Mutuel, apart from the fact that the company was active in health insurance.

I happened to stop at the Groupe Mutuel stand. After a brief discussion, I was asked if I would like to send my CV in case an opportunity came up. A few days later, I was called to replace someone on maternity leave. As I had just finished a job, I said to myself that even if the insurance sector was not one of my favourite sectors, a fixed-term contract would still offer me a great experience without too many strings attached.

From the very first days, there was a real desire to integrate me, even though I was only supposed to be there temporarily. I felt very welcome. Everyone was very kind and above all I was “allowed to make mistakes”. As a result, I immediately felt at ease in my team. Even when there are difficulties, there is always someone ready to support us.

I was immediately able to discover the diversity of the projects and meet the personalities that make up the teams. My contract was then extended for a month, then I was offered a permanent contract.

Il y a chaque année de nouveaux défis, de nouveaux projets. Ça me motive et je me vois continuer à construire une expertise solide et développer mes softs skills dans un environnement toujours en mouvement. J’apprécie l’espace de parole et d’échanges offert par mes supérieurs. Je me sens ainsi soutenue au quotidien et j’avance grâce aux nouvelles opportunités qui se présentent.

Have the courage to approach people. Just saying “hello” can open the door to a first job or an unexpected and rewarding experience. And above all, don't be afraid of making mistakes, because it is our first professional experiences that enable us to understand which is the best working environment for us.