Melanie Fuchs - Senior Software Engineer

First, I check my emails, Teams messages, and appointments for the day. I respond to the most important matters right away, then briefly review my to-do list for the day and organize and prioritize my tasks. Then I log into the client system, check my inbox, and review Teams messages. After that, I work on current development tasks. A key part of my job is analyzing and evaluating data, as well as developing programs and processes related to data analysis that meet the technical requirements. Regular coordination meetings and scheduled discussions take place with clients and project teams. During these meetings, we discuss requirements, evaluate progress, and plan the next steps. At the same time, I handle project management tasks, such as coordinating work packages, resource planning, and budget control.

I usually end my workday by prioritizing any remaining tasks and noting them on my to-do list. Then I shut down my computer so I can truly wrap up the workday and start my free time or spend time with my family.

We help and support one another, share our knowledge with others, and strive to achieve great results together. We are all working toward a common goal.

The work is very varied thanks to the different projects, so you're always learning something new.

Adapting to different “client types” and project dynamics can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s also fun. Every project is different and comes with its own set of challenges. These include, among other things, meeting milestones and deadlines, working within a tight budget, implementing complex processes, and juggling tasks for different clients when you’re managing multiple projects at the same time. Good self-management and self-organization are helpful in this regard.

There were many. The projects that interested me the most were those in the pharmaceutical sector, because that’s a topic I’m interested in, as well as projects where you can dive deep into the data to generate “insights from data.”

I serve as a point of contact for colleagues on issues related to balancing work, family, and caregiving, as well as work-life balance, and I advise them on individual questions and challenges. In addition, conflicts or issues that you may not wish to discuss directly with your supervisor can be brought to my attention and discussed with me in confidence. 

I support the Human Resources department by contributing new ideas and helping to develop and implement measures, as it is important to me to create a work environment and work culture where professional and personal lives can be successfully balanced.

I’m interested in issues related to balancing work and family life, since I’m in the same situation myself - juggling my personal and professional lives while raising two children. I wanted to share my experiences and bring the needs that arise from this situation into the company to help develop new measures. My predecessor left the company in the fall of 2016 and recommended me as a new person of trust.

Sometimes, simply being a good listener is enough to create a trusting environment.  Trust-based communication and maintaining confidentiality are important. Beyond that: Remain impartial, and strive to understand both the company’s perspective and that of the individual. You also need to be familiar with the policies and options regarding work-life balance at HMS, as well as the legal requirements, in order to provide helpful advice and guidance.

I often advise young, expectant parents on the procedures they need to follow at HMS and on general topics related to “becoming parents,” whether it’s applying for parental leave or exploring their options for child care.

This role can provide new ideas and bring fresh perspectives to the company. Through one-on-one conversations, we can develop new initiatives, learn what matters to our colleagues, and identify areas for improvement at HMS. It also sends a positive message to employees that they have a first point of contact for problems and questions of any kind.

Communication, teamwork, and friction caused by working remotely are likely to become more relevant. It will be more important to work on communication with one another and to regularly monitor work-life balance, for example, making sure you can disconnect from work in the evenings. Issues related to mental health will also become more relevant. Although HMS hires a large number of young employees, I believe that topics such as caregiving and partial retirement will also gain importance in the future.

The Parents’ Café is a private and informal gathering where colleagues can discuss topics related to children, family, parenting, and “being a parent.” It takes the form of either a simple exchange of experiences or a discussion of specific topics. The sessions are planned and organized on an individual basis.

So far, the feedback has been positive. During one meeting, it was specifically noted that this creates a great opportunity for fathers to connect with one another. The program launched in December 2021, and several colleagues have already signed up for the regular meetings.

My hope for the Parents’ Café is that it will become a well-established part of HMS’s work-life balance initiatives, continue to be well-received, foster active dialogue, and allow colleagues to gain something from it for themselves as well.

HMS offers me a wide variety of responsibilities and gives every employee the opportunity to grow and contribute personally. Thanks to the flexible working hours and hybrid work model, I’m able to balance my career, personal life, and family.

Open communication and feedback are important to HMS. We put this into practice every day. Team spirit is also a top priority here. So apply and become part of the team!