Maximize productivity and be free
Meet Elena, the head of organizational development at Beeline Russia. In this interview, she gives advice on how to improve productivity and live free.
Elena handles organization development at Beeline Russia. Outside her work, she has big plans.
“I want to go to space. I am actually preparing for it. I think commercial space travel is not far from going mainstream.”
Now, that’s cool. Of course, to make such dreams a reality, you have to ready yourself. This is why Elena has been working on her fear of heights with activities like hot air balloon rides in Turkey.
“Plan for what you want to do,” Elena says.
This emphasis on preparation is part of what makes Elena so productive at work. It’s also why she’ll be first in line to board the spacecraft when the time comes.
In this interview, we hear how Elena increases efficiency in the workplace. We also get insights on the meaning of being free during your career.
You’re working on the BeeFREE Project. Tell us more.
Being free is the concept for our workplace at Beeline. Being free relies on people being responsible. Employees have to be responsible for results. In a nutshell, the motto is this: We don’t care about how or where you work; we care about quality results.
How have you implemented this idea?
We have three focus areas: office space, IT infrastructure, and people management.
For office space, we are exploring how an office should be designed in order to boost productivity. We are using new concepts, looking at best practices in the market and taking advice from global headquarters.
For IT, we are looking at IT processes. We want to be as new as possible. We have been undergoing a digital transformation for our clients, but internally we are doing the same for our employees and potential employees as we did a few years back. The BeeFREE Project has pushed us to go more digital, and is helping to decrease inefficiencies.
For people management, we are working on improving managerial competencies, especially on how to manage others’ work and control results. For this, we are trying to teach managers how to better set priorities and reach goals. This is especially important now, since team members often work from home. We’re finding that if we manage remote employees well, they will work better and faster.
What should an office look like?
The environment should be designed for maximum productivity. Before, we didn’t have much free space here. It was all desks.
The vision for us is to create a collaborative, mobile, modern, and convenient workspace, where people can be very flexible in choosing where and how to work. First, we visualized this space, then started creating. To help fulfill this vision, we’re working with designers and even furniture suppliers, who have good ideas on ergonomics.
Can you tell us specifics about the design?
Space can be intentionally manipulated to ignite creativity and collaboration.
So we want to create a space that supports visualization of ideas, getting ideas out, and then equally supports getting rid of those ideas and moving onto another idea very quickly.
We have large shared desks. We have organized sitting areas with lots of natural lighting. The meeting rooms are built for quick, effective gatherings. There are also coffee points, which can be used for collaboration and rejuvenation. We are considering if we should install a quiet space as well, which would be sound-proof pod structures. We want to be comfortable, but not too comfortable otherwise we forget to collaborate, and as you know, collaboration is the key for best ideas :).
For all this, we are measuring results. We want to see that our design ideas improve work quality.
More inspiration from the Stanford d. school here:
Do employees get to come and go?
Being in the office all day can be stifling. So, we let employees come and go. Right now, we are working on IT solutions so they can check workspace availability and see who’s in the office before coming.
How do you choose solutions for collaboration and communication?
There are tons of tools available. We look for solutions that are mobile, integrated, and capable. It has to make managing the operation easier and more transparent, and contacting each other should be seamless.
What advice would you give to Beeline applicants?
Wish to know something. Have that spark in your eyes. Want to go beyond the job description.
This is the candidate we want.
Because this is the person who will take the freedom we give them and create something great. Of course, you also have to meet the professional requirements.
Can you tell us more about your career path?
I started working when I was 17. My first serious job was as a C&B (compensation and benefits) specialist, which I did for two and a half years. This involved lots of analysis work. Then, I became an organizational design manager. From there, I transitioned to VimpelCom in the same role. Eventually, I moved up to department head here. My role here now is broader. For example, we are working on improving business processes, and applying lean philosophies to projects we are doing.
What would your team say about you?
I think they would say I’m a good leader. I think they like that I encourage collaboration and feedback, which enables us all to improve. They would also say I’ve grown up a lot since coming to Beeline. I think they appreciate that I provide guidance and training, but give them room to develop. That freedom is key to their growth.
Where do you see the future of HR going?
The environment is changing quickly, almost too quickly. I think automation, outsourcing, and improved processes are already making everything more efficient. That will continue.
At Beeline, I believe we’re moving in the right direction. We are streamlining processes with technology. We are adopting the best business practices, like scrum and six sigma. When we implement new things, we just can’t be careless. We have to change very quickly to remain cutting edge, while making sure these new things are integrated correctly. There’s a tough balance to strike.
What would be your advice to your childhood self?
Don’t be afraid to dream. Be less practical in terms of things like choosing education. Take the riskier route, because you’ll enjoy it more. Achieving success the way you want is what will bring true freedom and happiness.
How would you describe Beeline at the moment in 3 hashtags?
I would say: #fun, #bright, and #innovative. I have a fourth: #interesting.
Elena’s interview tells us much about what it takes to work productively and have success. As Elena says, to get where you want to go, have goals in mind. Give yourself the space and resources to work for those goals, and you’ll not only achieve great things. You’ll be prosperous and free.
