Diversity - the key to understanding the client. About women in ROCKWOOL GBS

More and more women in Poland are choosing careers in the modern business services and IT sectors - industries traditionally dominated by men but experiencing dynamic growth in Poznań. Investors such as ROCKWOOL GBS, who actively promote equality-driven initiatives, play a vital role in shaping the city's image as an inclusive and welcoming space for women.

Three smiling women pose together in a photo. - grafika artykułu
From the left: Karolina Pniewska, Marta Matusiak and Joanna Żuchowska. Photo: Wiktor Nowacki.

ROCKWOOL Group is a global leader in stone wool solutions. The company established its first factory in Hedehusene, Denmark, in 1937, and has since continued expanding its portfolio by opening new production lines and offices worldwide. In Poland, ROCKWOOL began operations in 1993, and in 2016, the ROCKWOOL GBS competence center was launched in Poznań, currently located in the Nowy Rynek complex. The office provides global support to the ROCKWOOL Group in areas such as controlling, finance, IT, R&D, engineering, procurement, marketing, legal affairs, data science, Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, and HR. Continuing its expansion, the company opened another office in Warsaw in 2022, located in the Crown Square building. Today, ROCKWOOL GBS is a thriving community of nearly 600 skilled professionals, with a 50/50 gender balance.

- When I became interested in construction and technology, a relatively small number of women worked in these sectors. Today, I specialise in the engineering and technology sector, leading social media activities - says Joanna Żuchowska, Social Media Manager.

According to the 2024 IT Community Report published by Bulldogjob, women make up only 16% of the workforce in Poland's IT sector. Meanwhile, at ROCKWOOL GBS, women represent 35% of the IT team, significantly exceeding the national average. Moreover, this number continues to grow every year, demonstrating the company's commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive work environment. The goal is to foster a sector that embraces diversity, creating opportunities where everyone can develop their talents and skills.

- I am in charge of monitoring the quality of the IT services provided, e.g. the correct functioning of the software in our factories and reporting on its performance. The company provides growth opportunities, which allows me to excel in new areas. At ROCKWOOL GBS, I had somewhat of a reskilling because I came from a completely different industry. I think diversity is extremely important. It gives us a broader perspective and a better understanding of the needs of our internal customers - points out Marta Matusiak, IT Service Manager.

- According to UNESCO data, women in Poland hold just 15% of engineering positions in large enterprises. In contrast, ROCKWOOL GBS significantly outperforms this statistic. - In our organization, women make up 25% of the engineering and technology sectors. This is the result of our consistent efforts to promote equality and diversity in technical teams. We create an environment where talent and competence take precedence over gender, helping to shape a more inclusive industry landscape - mentioned Michał Lisiak, Employer Branding & Communications Expert.

- As a woman in technology, I have already found my place and I am proud of it. I have a scientific mind with a large dose of empathy and find myself well in an environment still dominated by men. I have already observed these tendencies in kindergarten and throughout my education. I always wanted my dad, an engineer respected in his circle, to be proud of me -admits Karolina Pniewska, Section Manager. - I also persuaded my beloved younger sister to follow in my footsteps. I aim to be visible, especially to young girls, daughters of colleagues who visit him at work. I am convinced because I observe it every day - mental diversity in technology is the key to success.

One of the strategic initiatives driving this change is the "Women in Tech" program, designed to promote gender diversity and strengthen the role of women in engineering and IT teams. This initiative not only opens new career opportunities but also emphasizes the importance of creating a workplace where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

Author: Michał Lisiak, ROCKWOOL GBS promotional materials