From office management to event planning: Anna Mertens as office manager at oraya

In every company, invisible heroines and heroes play a crucial role in running a successful business. Anna Mertens, Office Manager at oraya, is one of these crucial figures who work in the background to ensure that everything runs smoothly. With a wide range of responsibilities, Anna is the driving force behind office management and a variety of organizational activities.

As Office Manager, Anna is instrumental in ensuring that all administrative and organizational aspects of the company are managed effectively, while supporting the team and contributing to the positive company culture. Anna's daily repertoire of tasks includes office management, accounting and appointment coordination. Additionally, she organizes team events and trade shows to strengthen the company culture. Anna also supports the management by taking care of incoming invoices, receipts, orders and other concerns. Overall, her involvement helps create a positive work environment and move the company forward. She is the link between the various departments to ensure that all administrative and organizational activities run smoothly and mesh seamlessly.

In our interview with Anna, we give you an insight into her multi-faceted role as Office Manager at oraya. Find out first-hand how Anna masters her job challenges, manages the dynamics of her workspace, and how her achievements help strengthen the company.

Anna, could you tell us what made you decide to take a position at oraya? What factors influenced your decision and what do you value most?

Anna Mertens: For me, the decision to apply to oraya as Office Manager was influenced by several factors. Previously, I had worked as a personal assistant to a professor at a university, and this job was often very stressful. My abilities to deal with a wide variety of tasks and to be able to provide versatile support to the lecturer as an officer motivated me to look for a similar role.

The interview with Jan at oraya was crucial to my choice.  During this interview, we had a detailed exchange about the activities involved, and I emphasized that I would be happy to do tasks anywhere and would be willing to support the management in all matters. Due to the harmonious and collegial atmosphere during the interview, I already had the feeling then that every team member at oraya is valued and grows together as a team with the challenges. I still value this personal atmosphere and collegial cooperation in the company very much today and it contributes to the fact that I feel comfortable and appreciated here. It is nice to know that I am contributing to the success of the company and that my skills as an office manager are appreciated here.

I also chose oraya because I can specifically use my knowledge from my studies in logistics and e-commerce in the company. I see this as an added value, as my acquired expertise allows me to contribute specifically to the efficiency and productivity of the company. It's a great opportunity for me to put my studies to good use and apply my knowledge directly in a corporate context. At oraya, I have found the perfect opportunity to contribute my strengths and support the management. 

How do team events play a role in fostering a positive corporate culture at oraya, and how does your role as Office Manager contribute to this?

Anna Mertens: Team events play an important role in promoting a positive corporate culture at oraya. Especially because we work remotely for the most part and only see each other as a whole team, so to speak, through regular team meetings that we have online, events like these are crucial to strengthening the team feeling, increasing motivation and fostering a shared sense of we. 

As Office Manager, I help organize the team events in attendance and ensure they run smoothly. From planning and coordination to implementation, I make sure that these events are a positive experience for the team. I make sure that the events promote cohesion, provide a relaxed atmosphere and allow space for personal conversations.

The fact that we have a rather friendly relationship among colleagues here at oraya makes our team events special highlights. It strengthens the team feeling and promotes a positive working environment where everyone feels valued and connected. As Office Manager, I enjoy seeing how these events enrich the company culture and help ensure that everyone enjoys coming to work and is engaged.

As Office Manager, you also support the Managing Directors in day-to-day operations. What challenges are associated with these tasks? 

Anna Mertens: As Office Manager, I support the managing directors in their day-to-day operations by taking care of general matters. I am available as a contact person and help with various tasks.  Efficient time management is therefore crucial to ensure that all requests and tasks are completed on time.

Furthermore, unforeseen situations can arise in day-to-day operations that require a quick and flexible response. It is important to adapt to different situations and react appropriately to meet management requirements.

Often, there are also several tasks to be managed at the same time. This requires the ability to work effectively on multiple projects and prioritize to ensure all management requests and concerns are addressed appropriately.

Despite these challenges, I find my role as Office Manager to be extremely fulfilling. My goal is to lighten the load of management by taking care of operational matters so they can focus on their strategic tasks that contribute to the efficiency and growth of the company.  By freeing them up to take on organizational tasks, I hope they feel empowered in their position and can continue to drive the efficiency and effectiveness of the company.

Organizing trade shows requires a lot of planning and coordination. How do you go about making sure these events are successful and that they motivate and empower team members?

Anna Mertens:  To ensure that trade shows are successful, I create comprehensive lists with all the necessary tasks, required resources and set deadlines. These lists serve as a guide and allow for structured and efficient planning.

Each trade show is unique, so I customize my lists to meet the specific needs and goals of each event. This way, I can ensure that nothing is overlooked and the event runs smoothly. By taking care of the extensive planning and organization, I take the pressure off the team members. They can fully concentrate on their respective tasks and preparing for the event without having to worry about the logistical details.

Through my careful planning and organization, team members gain confidence in my abilities. They know they can rely on me, which automatically strengthens and motivates them as they feel confident that everything is well prepared. This allows them to focus their energy and attention on creating a great event and achieving the goals of the event.

By taking this approach, I can ensure that the trade shows that oraya attends as an exhibitor are successful and help motivate and empower the team. The team members representing oraya at each show feel supported and valued, which contributes to a positive and productive atmosphere and fosters collaboration.

Since joining oraya as Office Manager, you have already taken on a variety of tasks and responsibilities. How do you see your personal development in the company and what goals would you like to achieve in your role?

Anna Mertens: Since joining oraya as Office Manager, I have already taken on a variety of tasks and responsibilities. I see my personal development in the company as extremely positive. I feel I can make a valuable contribution and continue to grow with each challenge.

oraya will continue to innovate and help shape the future of the IT industry. This interview is a reflection of our shared experiences and the remarkable journey of the team members. We hope this personal insight into the oraya team has given you a better understanding of our company's values, ambitions and commitment.