November 18, 2020 Get to know us - Thomas Zak

Interview with Thomas Zak, Smart Workplace Consultant

Thomas Zak joined Rentschler Biopharma as a corporate student of Business Information Technology in October 2016. In our interview, he talks about his projects and working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please introduce yourself

My name is Thomas and I joined the Rentschler Biopharma family in October 2016. I started here as a corporate student of Business Information Technology and am now working as a Smart Workplace Consultant in the Digital Unit at our headquarters in Laupheim, Germany.

What sets Rentschler Biopharma aparts as an employer?

Very early in my career I was given the opportunity to shoulder responsibility and manage projects independently. My managers and colleagues put their full trust in me. This really helped me to develop myself further and I learned a lot, especially during my time as a corporate student. You simply feel valued and are immediately part of the team, from day one. This I find very motivating. This spirit reinforces one's belief to contribute to the company.

What excites you about your current role?

The connection and collaboration with colleagues from all departments. We in the Digital Unit strive to optimize the digital workplace of every colleague, that´s why I am in continuous exchange with people from all over the campus and even different locations. This variety never lets it get boring.

As a Smart Workplace Consultant, what are your learnings about working from home during the global COVID-19 pandemic?

Nothing is impossible! COVID-19 is an unfortunate happening, but it enabled us to face and overcome so many challenges in our everyday work. It also showed us how fit our technologies already are. The last few months definitely drove our innovative work, be it is a simple digitization of a paper-based business process or a futuristic meeting with an augmented reality lens!

Do you have tips for working from home?

Turn on your cameras! Visual contact in online meetings is so important for efficient communication and to avoid misunderstanding. It also ensures that one stays focused and is not distracted by other activities. Also, it can make online meetings more personal, which is invaluable in a time where we don´t see each other that often.