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In our NORMAPeople series, employees around the world talk about their day-to-day work, how they came to the company, and what they appreciate most about their jobs.
Loris Corvetti is a Warehouse Agent at the NORMA Group site in Gavardo, Italy. In this interview, he talks about the nicest moments he has had at NORMA Group and what advice he would give to new employees.
Loris, how long have you been working at NORMA Group?
I started working at NORMA Group in 2013, so nine years. That’s a record for me. I have had a few jobs in my lifetime, but I have rarely stayed with one company for more than four years.
Why is that?
The job at NORMA Group is the first time I found something that perfectly suits what I want to do and the person I am. So I have absolutely no reason to change.
What do you do at NORMA Group?
I work in logistics. Among my main tasks is the organization of all warehouse activities, allowing us to process customer orders as quickly as possible. I am also responsible for keeping an eye on the current status of these orders. I am in direct contact with our customers, by e-mail or by phone, and help them with any issues they might have.
What would you say was your fondest experience at NORMA Group?
There are quite a few moments that I recall fondly. I had only been with NORMA Group for six months when I was able to attend a supply chain meeting in Frankfurt, Germany. There I had the chance to meet colleagues from many different countries. That was one experience I will never forget.
Some time later, I was working on a project to improve the incoming and outgoing goods process. I was given the opportunity to present this project to the President and Vice President of the EMEA region, who were visiting Gavardo at the time. It was a source of pride for me.
What do you need to feel comfortable and motivated in your working life?
When I work in a family-like environment surrounded by colleagues who trust me and when all departments work well together – that is when I feel comfortable. I like to have everything under control and would describe myself as a disciplined and hard-working person. So I don’t really need a lot of motivation: as soon as I have a goal in mind, I work towards it. Achieving that goal is motivation enough.
What would you say to someone who is new to NORMA Group?
First of all: welcome! You are now part of a great company, a family and you can help make a big difference. No matter what position you work in, your commitment is essential to achieving good results. Enjoy what you do. You won’t be able to achieve your goals if you don’t enjoy what you do. You have to find your own way and a job that suits you well as a person – like I found at NORMA Group.
The job market at the moment is difficult – especially for young people. When I was looking for my first job over 20 years ago, I tried to find an employer close to home because I didn’t have a car. I sent my application to various companies and each offered me a job. I had the opportunity to choose among many different employers. The situation is different today: There are fewer jobs available, which means that many young people have to pursue a profession that is not a perfect fit for them.
Even if it takes a little bit longer, never stop looking for the one job that is perfect for you and your interests. Only if you enjoy what you do will you be able to achieve good results. Never give up.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy a lot of sports – I play football, tennis, basketball and volleyball. I was also a volleyball coach for 15 years, among other things. This helped me improve some of my skills in terms of cooperation, team spirit, decision-making, responsiveness and organization. I use all of that in my work life as well.
I also like music. I like to sing a lot, but mostly just for myself. But at one of our Christmas parties, we had a karaoke system. There I sang Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. That was a lot of fun for me.
I have two small children: one is five years old and the other just under half a year. They are my pride and joy and they keep me pretty busy every day. That’s why my work often feels like free time at the moment.
How do you start the day?
My day often starts at night and I always ask myself the same question: Have I had enough sleep? And with two small children, I can rarely answer this question in the affirmative.
When I start the day, I know that problems will come my way today as well – in logistics, you are always confronted with problems. But I focus on the positives. I know that perfection doesn’t exist and I don’t strive for it. But I am constantly trying to improve.
What are your hopes for the future?
With the current pandemic situation in mind, I wish for my family to remain healthy. I want to make sure that my children have a wonderful childhood. If one day they thank me for bringing them up in the best possible way and therefore allowing them to pursue their dreams, then I will know that I have done everything right. I would also like to go on vacation again, the last one was four years ago.
Please complete the following sentence: I love my job because…
…I can be in contact with my colleagues around the world every day. This keeps the family feeling intact. There is a generational change taking place here in Gavardo: A lot of colleagues have retired and new employees in their mid-twenties have started working at the site. I am looking forward to the opportunity to help them and to share the experience I have been able to gain over the course of my working life.
I have been able to make a difference during my time at NORMA Group and I hope that I will continue to have this opportunity. Because when I retire one day, the colleagues who follow me will be working with the results of my projects. The idea that I can improve the working situation for the next generation is something that makes me happy.
