Women are the strength of the Polish furniture industry

Traditionally, the Meeting of Women in the Furniture Industry was an opportunity to share experiences, gain new inspiration and make valuable contacts among women professionally involved in the furniture industry.The meeting was opened by Elżbieta Roeske, Vice-President of the Management Board of the MTP Group, who congratulated the assembled ladies on their success in the furniture and wood industry, while wishing them continued passion in their professional and private lives.On behalf of the Polish Chamber of Commerce of Furniture Manufacturers, the participants were welcomed by Sylwia Oleńska, PhD.

This year's introductory lecture was given by Eliza Pawlik-Rykaczewska, Raw Material Manager, Europe & Africa from IKEA Purchasing Services Poland, who presented what gender balance looks like in the workplace environment using IKEA as an example. IKEA has been committed to gender equality at all levels and in all areas of the business for many years. It not only employs more women, but also takes measures to help them use and develop their strengths, which is important for their career development. The motto that characterises IKEA, i.e. ‘creating a better everyday life for many people’, is not only about creating products for customers, but also about the well-being of employees, regardless of gender, race or religion.

Equally interesting and inspiring was a panel discussion on maintaining a life balance between work and private life. Agnieszka Chmielewska from Complet Chmielewscy, Marta Kowalczyk, CEO of MARDOM HOME and Joanna Kucharska from the Poznań International Fair were invited to the discussion, which was moderated by Hanna Szumińska, CEO of Komandor Wielkopolska SA.

The ladies shared their experience and ways of maintaining the so-called Work Life Balance. How do they manage to maintain this balance? Each of the ladies has her own recipe, but the common denominator for all is to find a healthy balance between work and personal life, so that neither dominates the other. This means managing your time and energy effectively so that you can simultaneously pursue your professional goals and enjoy your private life, family, passions or leisure.

The panel discussion was followed by a lecture entitled ‘Sensitive design. Tenderly cared for interiors'. Małgorzata Bernady from VOX presented a philosophy of interior design that aims to meet the deeply human needs of comfort, safety and peace. The concept of ‘responsive design’ refers to the creation of spaces that support users in their daily lives and are tailored to their lifestyles and changing needs, which was particularly evident during the pandemic. Bernady emphasises that in interior design, it is important that materials and furnishings respond to sensory needs such as rest and relaxation. Sensory design is not only about aesthetics, but also about functionality, ergonomics and matching interiors to the long-term needs of the occupants.

The closing lecture of the Meeting, entitled ‘Success = passion x development x challenges’, was led by Hanna Szumińska, President of the Management Board of Komandor Wielkopolska. The speaker discussed the importance of passion, personal development and facing challenges as key elements in achieving professional success. The lecture aroused great interest, inspiring participants to reflect on their own career paths.

The 5th Meeting of Women Associated with the Furniture Industry was organised by the Polish Chamber of Commerce of Furniture Manufacturers with the support of the MTP Group and the Drema Fair. EGGER was a strategic partner of the meeting.