Alcon Polska Sp. z o.o.

As a response to the pandemic challenges we have introduced a Well with Alcon initiative which is a well-being program for our employees. We understand that sustaining a right level of work-life balance is not an easy job and some of us tend to forget about taking care of our physical and mental health. That’s why it is so important for us to support our employees in these crucial areas.

Depending on one’s individual situation and needs, a person can choose from a variety of options that may be of use in a particular moment of life. For those who want to focus on their mental health, we provide support from a psychologist as well as programs concentrated on reducing stress with mindfulness and meditation. Those who strive to work on their physical health can participate in sessions with a specialist who helps improve their posture behind the desk as well as their overall fitness.

Apart from the above our program allows every Alcon employee, no matter the seniority, to take proper care of their nutrition, join all kinds of physical activities, including short training sessions during work, take part in wellness webinars or even relax with some high quality massage.

In addition to online consultations with a psychologist, we can also choose a session with a dietitian, physiotherapist and personal trainer. Qualified specialists ask questions to quickly identify the problem, and then give some valuable tips to solve it.

Professional development of our employees is the basis of Alcon’s organizational culture. We made it even more valid by creating the "Foster Your Brilliance" program. First, it was the answer to the pandemic challenges and focused mainly on the managers spreading knowledge by sending resources to the most informative self-development webinars, films, or e-books. With time, we developed a training package and introduced development programs organized in person at the company’s headquarters in Warsaw. The uniqueness of the program is that it’s created solely by the employees and for the employees. We don’t hire external companies to organize classes, but encourage our team members to build their own training plans. This way we are able to create an environment which makes it easier to engage, motivate, and inspire each other in everyday growth.

What’s more, every employee can register to be a trainer. Selected candidates take part in the “Train the Trainer” course, during which they learn how to build an encouraging and captivating program, conduct effective lessons, and use the power of body language. Then, they present the program and receive constructive feedback - all to make sure that the training will be conducted at the highest possible level.

It is a great opportunity to expand one’s competences and develop in a role that lies in the area of one’s interests. Apart from the possibility to inspire others, it’s also a unique chance to network and meet colleagues from other departments.

Currently, the program comprises more than 19 different courses available to every employee. The most popular topics are business and technical, and the only condition to take part in the training is to inform the supervisor.

In Alcon we strive to cherish what is best in people - nurture their passions, appreciate their proactivity and initiatives, widespread tolerance, diversity and inclusivity. Thus, our employees are free to establish their own Employee Resource Groups (ERG) which can tackle any essential subject that comes to mind. Their goals can be quite diverse and focus on developing particular skills, gaining additional knowledge, deepening the topic of interest, supporting a certain minority, developing one’s passion, or simply have fun and do the things that make us smile. Our Warsaw department has established 4 ERGs coherent with our employees interests, attitude and development paths.

We have WIN - Women Innovating Now - which supports women in business and empowers a diverse group of leaders. It strives to create an inclusive environment where both men and women collaborate to develop and inspire future leaders, while also achieving business goals in a diversified and client-focused market.

Another Employee Research Group is Pride. It supports the LGBTQ+ community and promotes activities that create an inclusive and safe environment for every person. We think that tolerance is key to building healthy relations in a workplace and we put it among our highest internal values.

Fun Factory - the third of our Warsaw ERGs - is all about having the greatest time with our colleagues. It includes all sorts of different activities close to our hearts - sports tournaments, book clubs, movie nights, and so much more.

Last but not least is the CSR group for people interested in the topic of Corporate Social Responsibility. We are engaged in various kinds of matters - environmental, social and governance, trying to improve the world that surrounds us and make it a better place to live.