What is parental experience good for at work? – Navigating Career and Parenthood

This episode of Unmute All delves into the profound personal and professional transformations of HR specialist Viktória Gruber-Pataki at Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions, focusing on her journey through maternity leave and her subsequent return to the workforce.

Embracing New Beginnings

Viki shares her initial experiences at DT-ITS, where she began as a HR intern and rapidly advanced to an HR administrative role. Her early career was marked by managing employee life cycles and administering various HR processes, which provided a foundational understanding of the company’s operations and culture.
She reflects on the transition to motherhood, detailing how her departure to care for her children provided unexpected opportunities for personal growth and professional reflection. During this period, she pursued educational advancements in mediation and mental health, skills that later enhanced her capabilities upon returning to work.

Challenges and Insights of Parental Leave

The conversation explores the challenges she faced while away from her professional environment, including maintaining her professional identity and staying connected with industry developments. She discusses the unique perspectives gained during her leave, such as the importance of empathy, patience, and communication—traits that are crucial in HR roles.

Returning with Renewed Purpose

Upon her return, she illustrates the profound appreciation she developed for Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions’ supportive work culture. Her experiences as a parent allowed her to advocate more effectively for work-life balance initiatives and flexible working conditions, which enriched the company’s HR policies.

Impactful Projects and Roles

She also highlights significant projects and roles she undertook after returning, including pioneering new HR initiatives and leading programs aimed at improving employee satisfaction and retention. Her work not only addressed immediate operational needs but also set long-term strategic goals for talent management and organizational development.

Conclusion

This episode provides an in-depth look at how parental leave can serve as a catalyst for significant professional development and personal discovery. It underscores the value of taking a break from the usual career path to gather new energies and insights, which can profoundly enrich one’s return to the professional sphere and contribute to the workplace in meaningful ways.

Listen to the episode here (Hungarian): https://www.deutschetelekomitsolutions.hu/podcasts/mire-jo-a-szuloi-tapasztalat-a-munkaban/