To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, we’re shining a personal and professional light on some of Pineapple Recruitment’s inspirational women. These are a group of ladies who each perform different roles here at the company, but all play a collective part in our ongoing success through their dedication and expertise.
The theme of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion” which focuses on inequality, celebrating achievement, and increasing the general visibility of women.
With this year’s theme in mind, we sat down to catch up with our own inspirational ladies to ask each one some questions, including around what inclusion means to them.
Kasia Krieger, Business Manager
Hi Kasia. It’s great to have the chance to talk through some key areas for this year’s International Women’s Day. You’re first up! Perhaps we can start by introducing yourself and telling us more about your role?
Thank you, I’m delighted to be taking part and to be first up! So, I’ve been with Pineapple Recruitment for just a matter of months. I joined a leadership role, taking over the recruitment team as a Business Manager. It’s a wonderful place to be and I’m loving my time here.
This year’s International Women’s Day is all about understanding, valuing, and seeking out better inclusion of women. But what does inclusion mean to you as a professional?
Inclusion to me is absolutely key. As a woman, and especially being a woman who has moved to the UK from overseas, I think it’s easy to put myself down or lack confidence in my abilities. However, I believe inclusivity is all about giving everyone’s voice a chance to be heard and treat everyone equally no matter their background.
So, with that in mind, what more can be done to improve female inclusion in the workplace?
I believe that as a business, Pineapple already does a lot to ensure inclusion. Being a female on the leadership team, I strongly feel that my opinions and views matter and that I am given an equal chance to make an impact. In some of my previous roles there have been instances where I felt overlooked or not heard.
In terms of what more could be done, perhaps we could look into giving females from across the wider business, and particularly those not already in leadership roles, a platform to build their confidence and explore development opportunities. Perhaps a programme which supports women on career paths to leadership as part of our L&D strategy.
And what is done here at Pineapple to ensure balance and female inclusion?
The team at Pineapple is made up of men and women, equally as brilliant as each other. We strive to ensure that everyone always gets an equal opportunity to be heard. We welcome feedback and will always make sure we act on it. I can definitely say that I work with a team of fantastic women (and men) and I strongly believe that their influence is a big part of Pineapple’s continued success.
Everyone has a role to play, so what will you be doing to play your part this year in promoting female achievement, or pushing back against bias or discrimination?
Heading a diverse team is my priority. My aim is to continue to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and given equal opportunities. IWD gives a great platform to push that message.
And finally Kasia, it wouldn’t be IWD without asking you which female has inspired you in the past 12 months?
I take inspiration from people around me, no matter what gender, culture, religion – that’s what I think inclusion is all about. I also admire and learn from those who are committed to building their careers as well as their personal lives.
Charlie Stevens, Talent Acquisition Specialist
Next up in our IWD Q&A series this year is Charlie Stevens. A Talent Acquisition Specialist, Charlie has been with us for two years and leads on a range of recruitment and roles – ranging from catering assistants, right up to operations and regional manager roles.
Hi Charlie, great you can join us this year for the first ever Pineapple IWD Q&A session. As you know, IWD 2024 is all about understanding, valuing, and seeking out better inclusion of women. But what does inclusion mean to you?
It’s great to be here, I’m delighted to be asked! First and foremost, I always believe women are just as equal as men both in and out of the workplace, and feel women should be considered for any opportunities or progression just as much as men. They should not be overlooked due to their gender. Treating everyone as equal regardless of their sex or anything else is very important to me.
Totally agree, you make some really good points. Taking that forward, what more do you think can be done to improve female inclusion in the workplace?
I believe that in this day and age female inclusion in the workplace is a lot better than it used to be, with it feeling less like a male dominated world. I have to say I am very happy in my current role and have never felt excluded from anything as a female. However, I know this is not the case in all companies. I also believe all staff / colleagues, no matter what gender you are, should listen to a woman’s input as much as a man’s when it comes to decision making, as well as valuing our opinions.
And what about your own workplace? What do you think is done here at Pineapple Recruitment to ensure balance and female inclusion?
Up until recently the team at Pineapple Recruitment was very female dominated, and therefore I have never felt there has been an issue with inclusion. We always had great moral support for each other, and a good team spirit, which still continues to this day despite changes to the team and more men joining us. We now have a great team where I feel we are all equals, and everyone’s opinions and ideas are valued and considered regardless of sex.
What will you be doing to play your part this year in promoting female achievement, or pushing back against bias or discrimination?
This year I’ll be playing my part as always. I’ll be celebrating my female friends and family members and their recent achievements, which I hope will show them how important they are to me.
And finally the last and often favourite question…which female has inspired you in the past 12 months?
There’s so many, but for me this would be my mum. She is the person who does everything for everyone, and after my dad recently having a stroke and me being in hospital she’s had a really tough time, but she is still always there, no matter what, to support everyone. A real superstar.
Kat Kantorova, Recruiter
Our third and final inspirational woman to take part in our IWD Q&A is recruiter Kat Kantorova. Kat joined Team Pineapple four months ago specialising in catering recruitment throughout the UK.
Hi Kat, thanks for joining us! Can we start with you introducing yourself?
Hi, my name is Kat and I am a dedicated permanent consultant with Pineapple Recruitment specialising in Catering recruitment. Although I joined the company just some months ago, I am enjoying every single minute.
It’s great to have one of our new starters involved! This year’s IWD is all about understanding, valuing and seeking out better inclusion of women. Can I ask, what inclusion means to you as a professional?
To me inclusion means giving everyone, no matter what sex, race, or religion equal respect and understanding and without any bias or judgement.
And generally, what more do you think can be done to improve female inclusion in the workplace?
I think a really good start would be implementing gender diversity training – allowing everyone to constantly educate themselves and their teams.
In your view, what is done here at Pineapple Recruitment to ensure balance and female inclusion?
Pineapple are ‘on it’ and ensure equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. They also have equality and diversity training and policies in place which is very refreshing to see as it’s not the case everywhere. And an added bonus, the company also allow staff to work from home when needed.
What will you be doing to play your part this year in promoting female achievement, or pushing back against bias or discrimination?
I will make more of an effort to discuss gender equality with family members and friends and also listen more and learn from them, as they have lots of wisdom to share.
And now for the last and most popular question. Which female has inspired you in the past 12 months?
That would be my mum. She has, and continues to inspire me every day, because she has taught me how to be independent and that hard times can be overcome. She has also taught me to always love, care, respect and help others and whether I go through good or bad times, I have to use every experience as a life lesson and grow from it. Thanks Mum x
This is just a snapshot of a trio of ladies here at Pineapple Recruitment. For more inspirational stories and insights, please visit the International Women’s Day website through https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
