From Portugal to Switzerland: becoming shift manager through humour and engagement
8.9.2022
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Thomas Kunz
Alexandra Tauss left Portugal to pursue a career in Switzerland. She spoke practically no German and worked in a laundry before starting in logistics at Digitec Galaxus. Now the 28-year-old is a shift supervisor in the incoming goods department, responsible for around 100 employees. In this interview, she reveals why cultural differences, humour and her TV were crucial to her career.
You left Portugal for Switzerland seven years ago: do you have any tips on how to integrate as quickly as possible?
The most important thing is the language! My bachelor’s degree in business administration was of absolutely no use to me without knowing German – and a career would’ve been impossible. I first worked in a laundry with other Portuguese people. We only spoke Portuguese. When I switched to Digitec Galaxus after a year and a half, I only spoke German. With many mistakes at the beginning, of course, but it was important for me to learn the language. I then immediately switched my mobile phone and laptop to German and only watched German-language TV shows. Having a Swiss boyfriend also helps (laughs).
What was the biggest challenge for you as a Portuguese person in Switzerland?
The culture! Making friends wasn’t easy in the beginning. My German was bad. In Portugal, people approach each other much more quickly and openly. For example, we aren’t afraid to talk about our wages. Almost no one does that here. But once you really know a person in Switzerland, they’re just as open. I’ve never experienced discrimination, for example, which I’m very thankful for.
My team leads encouraged me to continue my education with a leadership course.
In the last five and a half years you’ve learned German quite well and made a career for yourself: from Packing Assistant to Team Leader in various departments of Logistics and now Shift Manager in the incoming goods department. How did you manage that?
After attending various German courses alongside my job, I realised that I was stuck. I decided to work towards an office management diploma and improve my German «for free». My team leads supported me financially and later encouraged me to continue my education with a leadership course and a CAS in intralogistics.
And now you’re a shift supervisor in the receiving department. What are your tasks?
I’m responsible for managing and coordinating the day-to-day operations of my shift. I make sure that we comply with security requirements, that the products ordered by Digitec Galaxus are of impeccable quality and that they’re forwarded to the right places in our warehouse.
When I’m on shift, I’m responsible for around 100 employees. But I don’t do it all by myself (laughs), I have six team leaders who support me.
In addition, I create work schedules, plan special assignments – such as Black Friday, for example – and ensure that the entire staff planning runs smoothly.
In Portugal, we never give instructions to an older person, that would be disrespectful.
You’re 28 years old, you have a responsibility and you have to give instructions. How do you deal with employees who are much older than you?
When I became a team leader at the age of 24, it was very difficult. I spoke little German, and I’m sure some were thinking: You don’t know the language, you’re half my age, what do you want? It was also a big challenge, as this isn’t part of Portuguese culture. In Portugal, we never give instructions to an older person, that would be disrespectful. People who are older are also always right (laughs).
In the meantime, I’ve got used to it, I’m respected in my position and I’ve learned a lot. The important thing, after all, is to have the right sense of how to talk to someone.
You’re laughing?
Yes (laughs). For example, there are expressions in Portuguese that you should never say in German or Albanian. They aren’t bad words or anything, but given that people speak and deal with each other differently depending on the language and culture, certain words just aren’t used. I want to respect the culture of the country and its language. It’s challenging, but extremely exciting at the same time! That’s another reason why I like my job so much.
You’re so lively and have laughed a lot during the interview. So likeable! Are you like that at work too?
Absolutely (laughs). I make a lot of jokes at work. One of my responsibilities is to keep the team in good spirits. If they’re happy, I’m happy, and I’ve done my job well.
Clear and open communication is also incredibly important to me. I couldn’t sit in a closed office, I want to be with my people. When I became a shift supervisor, I wanted a place on the floor, that is, by the goods receiving area and not in the office. It worked out. Now, all the shift supervisors work there.
You seem really happy. Do you still have another professional goal?
I’m actually quite happy at the moment. During these last seven years, I’ve always pursued some kind of further education. Now, at 28, I am where I want to be. Someday I could see myself becoming a leader if a position opens up in a department somewhere. But for now I want to enjoy my private life.
Thank you very much for your honesty and openness!
Same to you. Can I say one more thing? I hope this interview helps anyone who is interested in a job at Digitec Galaxus. It’s a great company! If you want to join us, we’re continuing to grow and always have open positions in logistics.
Now that was a sweet ad!
You think so? (laughs).
Sharon Zucker
Communications Manager
sharon.zucker@digitecgalaxus.chI sniff out the best behind-the-scenes stories the Digitec Galaxus universe has to offer. Why? Because I'm fascinated by people and stories. In my other life, I act on all types of stages, sometimes even in graveyards. As a voice-over artist for commercials, I've dubbed a pumpkin and a cow to name but a few.
