OCS celebrates International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day we recently caught up two members of our OCS Australia family – Erzelina Hyska and Adriana Freire. They share their career development advice and give us a little insight into their individual journeys with OCS and what they love about working here.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity, which is a statement that holds true for us at OCS. Driving the success of our women is not just something we say – it’s something we do.

1. Erzelina Hyska

Erzelina Hyska started working for OCS as a cleaner in a Melbourne shopping centre in early 2020. Her potential was soon recognised by her team leader, who was quick to appoint her as shift supervisor.

After a break during COVID-19 Erzelina returned to OCS to take on a new and even more challenging role - Site Manager at a food manufacturing site. As Site Manager, Erzelina leads a team of twelve OCS cleaners operating in a demanding environment with strict food safety requirements.

Despite being judged by friends when she got into the cleaning industry, for Erzelina this was her happy place. And this passion and dedication has led her to where she is today, having taken several steps up the ladder within OCS. Go Erzelina!

We asked Erzelina about her experiences working at OCS.

Q. Tell us about your journey at OCS. In what role did you start and what are you doing at the moment?

A. I started working for OCS as a cleaner three years ago in a shopping centre in Melbourne. Soon after I took on the job, I was asked to take on a fulltime supervisor role where I was in charge of seven cleaners. After a short break due to COVID-19, I was contacted by my former manager who wanted to know if I was interested in a position as site manager. I certainly was! I now look after twelve workers who are responsible for making sure our customer’s site is absolutely spotless.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your work?

A. That would have to be my team. We are one. Everyone jumps in when needed and it’s amazing to know that you’re well looked after. Every day people check in on me to ask me how I’m doing and if I need any help. Apart from the OCS team, it’s great to have such a positive connection with our customer as well.

Q. What advice would you have for other women when it comes to career development?

A. Do what you love. Follow your dreams. When I started cleaning at quite a young age, my friends would judge me. Luckily, I didn’t care about what they thought. I’ve got two girls at home and I teach them to never be ashamed of what you do - if what you do, is what you enjoy.

Q. Are there any women who have inspired you in your life?

A. My mother is not only my biggest supporter, but also the one who has inspired me the most. She is such a strong woman and has always said to me ‘You can do it!’.

2. Adriana Freire

Adriana Freire only recently started her journey with OCS when she came on board as the Site Manager for Westfield Mount Druitt in August last year.

Together with her team of around 30 people, she makes sure the whole shopping centre is sparkling clean. With more than 65,000 sqm of floor space and around 11,4 million annual customer visits that’s quite challenging. But as Adriana puts it: “life would be boring without challenges”.

Coming from Brazil 13 years ago and now working in a completely different field than her previous experience, Adriana has had her moments of insecurities. Her tips for overcoming that include: to have trust in yourself and gather people around you who are there for you. Also, always remember: “women are strong and powerful, we can do anything”. We couldn’t agree more, Adriana.

We asked Adriana about her experiences working at OCS.

Q. Tell us about what you do at OCS.

A. I started working as the Site Manager for Westfield Mount Druitt in August last year, so I’m still pretty fresh at OCS. Within my role, I manage a team of around 30 people and I’m the first point of contact for the customer. We work 24/7 in three shifts: mornings, afternoons and night shifts/weekends.

Together we make sure the whole shopping centre is sparkling clean. With more than 65,000 sqm of floor space and around 11.4 million customer visits annually, that’s quite challenging. But life would be boring without challenges.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your work?

A. Building a relationship with our customer is something I’ve really enjoyed. And the fact that every day is a different day works well for me – I’d get tired of doing exactly the same day in, day out.

Also, I love working in a team and collaborating with people. In my view, you should lead by example, so I don’t  sit in my office much, I spend time with my people. I think that’s the most effective way to create a great team.

Q. What advice would you have for other women when it comes to career development?

A. Do everything you want. Sometimes women think they’re not capable of doing certain types of work, but I always say: you can do anything! Women are strong and powerful. So, I’d encourage everyone to follow their dreams.

I used to work at a bank back when I lived in Brazil, so I’m in a totally different field now. And yes, I have to admit that sometimes that has made me unsure, but you need to trust in yourself. Also, gather people around you who are there for you. My husband gives me great support, because he’s in a similar situation.

Q. Are there any women who have inspired you in your life?

A. I know it’s cliché, but my mum has been my main inspiration. She is such a strong woman. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed or low, I call her and she reassures me that I’m on the right path. Also, when I look at her career and life it makes me so proud. She was the only woman working for one of the largest telecom companies in Brazil and she pushed through so many boundaries.

I have to say that my father inspires me a lot too. He works for the federal highway police and always wanted me to work in that field as well, because there were not many women in that field. Twenty years ago, most federal highway police were men – only 1 out of 100 were women. But I travelled the world instead. Luckily when I decided to move from Brazil to Australia, both my parents gave me all the support I needed.