For one and a half years, Katrin has helped shape key HR initiatives at Ypsomed and brought structure to complex issues. With an eye for the big picture and a knack for working with people, she is dedicated to securing the right talent and skills for the future. She combines strategic thinking with pragmatic execution – and finds her balance best outdoors in nature with her two dogs.
How old are you, where are you from, and what do you like to do in your free time?
I’m 41 years old, originally from Germany, and have been living in Switzerland since 2009. My roots are in Thuringia (Germany), the region where Goethe and Schiller spent their twilight years.
In my free time, I enjoy anything that gives me new energy. I enjoy being creative, but I also love being outdoors. My two dogs demand their daily walks—for me, the perfect balance to my workday.
What is your role here?
Many people are familiar with annual workforce planning; it’s an important part of my responsibilities. At the same time, my role is broader: I work on identifying the human resources, skills, and talents that Ypsomed needs today and in the future. To do this, I create transparency and develop appropriate frameworks and tools for Human Resources. This allows us to better identify needs, manage talent-related issues more effectively, and make well-informed decisions. This helps us position Ypsomed’s workforce for long-term success.
What do you like about your work and the company?
What I particularly like about my work is that I can help shape initiatives and build something. I like to take a holistic approach to things and make connections visible. In my job, I can contribute exactly that, because it combines structure, design, and further development.
What I appreciate about Ypsomed is that a lot is in motion and you can make a difference. My colleagues are willing to tackle challenges together and find solutions.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
To be honest, I hardly ever have a typical workday. Right now, the main focus is on setting up new processes, methods, and tools and embedding them into our daily work.
It’s not enough to just develop good solutions. They also need to be designed so they integrate seamlessly into daily life. That requires good communication and regular dialogue both within and outside of HR. It’s exactly this mix of strategic work and practical implementation that makes my job exciting for me.
How have you grown with us?
At Ypsomed, I’ve primarily developed my resilience. In a dynamic environment, you’re quickly reminded that change also means adopting different perspectives simultaneously. And that detours can also lead you to your goal.
I’ve also learned to communicate in a way that’s even more tailored to specific audiences. Because a good idea only reveals its value once it’s understood.
What is the work atmosphere like at Ypsomed?
I find the work atmosphere to be open and collegial. When you approach someone, you don’t feel like the door is being slammed in your face. On the contrary: you get support when you have questions. That’s exactly what makes working together so pleasant for me.
Do you commute? What’s your experience with that?
Yes, I commute. Since I’ve been living closer to Burgdorf, my commute has gotten shorter, and I can easily avoid the busy highway.
Since I now live in the countryside, I get there faster by car than by bus or train. But I also like the distance between work and home. Because the journey helps me mentally switch from one to the other. I usually listen to podcasts while commuting. By the time I get home, the transition is complete, because my two dogs are already waiting for my attention.
Name three words you would use to describe Ypsomed.
Collectual, innovative, forward-thinking
