Interviews

We where required to do some interviews to get peoples experiences and opinions

Andrea Blotti

Question: What do you think about the gender pay gap between men and women?

Answer: Every time I read articles or see statistics showing that there is still a gender pay gap, I am surprised. I believe that this should not be a problem today, it should not even be a topic anymore. Since I started working, it has never been an issue for me or my colleagues. Gender-based differences in treatment, as well as the evaluation of people based on gender, should not exist. I am surprised that this is still a topic and a problem today. If the statistics are correct, these differences are unfortunately still present, but I hope they are a remnant of the past that, over time, will disappear. They make no sense and have no basis.

Question: Do you think your employees receive the respect and compensation they deserve?

Answer: Respect is more a matter of education than economic balance. Respect does not depend on how much a person earns but on how they are treated. An employee can earn a high wage and not receive the respect they deserve. However, we try to ensure that every action and interaction respects our values, and respect is one of the cornerstones of our company. Our name, Hero, represent important values, and the "R" stands for respect, which we show toward employees, customers, and the environment.

About compensation, salaries are determined by the market. The people who work with us are qualified and could easily find other opportunities. What we do as company policy is to reward employees based on business results or individual performance, with clear goals and well-defined rewards. In this way, we create alignment between the company's goals and those of the employees, because if the company does well, everyone benefits.

Question: Do you think young entrepreneurs should be trained in the use of advanced technologies?

Answer: Absolutely. Schools have the duty to train students in the use of technologies, but I believe the biggest job they should do is stimulate curiosity and the desire to stay updated. Today, we are taught things that 25 or 30 years ago no one could have imagined. Schools should train curious people, capable of adapting and predicting what is happening around them. If we stop being aware, we risk falling behind.

Question: At what age should one start working? Is part-time better?

Answer: In an ideal world, we could start working much later. But this implies a radical change in the education system. I imagine a school that, until 25, does not train young people to do a specific job but prepares them to be better human beings, curious and ready to learn. However, in the current context, it is important that young people start working early, alongside their studies, to gain practical experience that prepares them for the world of work.

Question: Should people in their twenties earn less than those with more experience, even if they do the same job?

Answer: For young people, the topic of earning should not be a priority when choosing a job. At this age, what matters is what they can learn and who their boss will be. If a twenty-year-old earns a lot but does monotonous tasks like making copies or coffee, they might not be on the right path. On the other hand, if they earn less but could grow, solve problems, and work on concrete projects, that will be an experience that enriches their future.

Question: Have you seen shocking things in other countries regarding working conditions?

Answer: I have worked in European contexts, such as Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and France, where worker protection is like Switzerland. However, in some countries, there are more uncertainties, sudden changes in laws, or unclear regulations, which are difficult to manage for those used to the clarity and stability of the Swiss system. Also, the relationship with authorities abroad can be much more conflictual compared to Switzerland, where there is an open and constructive dialogue.

Question: How have working conditions changed over the years?

Answer: There is much more awareness regarding the management of free time and workers' rights. After the first lockdown, many employees started to place more value on the balance between personal life and work. Some prefer to earn less in exchange for more time for themselves. As for our company, we are small enough to define flexible working methods, but we believe that value is created by working together in the office, where company culture and teamwork are fundamental.

Question: How do you create working conditions that satisfy your employees?

Answer: First, we try to give clear and transparent visions of what we want to achieve as a company. Every employee must know what goals we are trying to reach and what is expected from them. We create regular moments of sharing to discuss projects, company matters, and problems. Additionally, we trust our employees, allowing them to take initiatives and bring ideas. We want everyone to feel heard and valued, and we are committed to maintaining a work environment that fosters well-being, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

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What do you think about employees losing their jobs because of technology?
I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. Technology can lead to job losses in some areas, but it also creates new opportunities. For example, if you think about jobs related to computers, there are now around 60 million people worldwide working with them. So yes, technology may replace certain jobs, but it also brings new ones.

How do you ensure that every employee is happy?
We have at least three one-on-one meetings a year with each employee where we talk about how things are going. Also, I see almost everyone in the company every day. If something seems off, I talk to them right away. I really try to keep everyone happy and motivated.

How many employees work here?
We have 20 employees. Five of them work here in the office, handling planning, shipping, purchasing raw materials, and finance. In the lab, we have four people working on quality control. Then, there are five in research and development, creating new flavors and candies. Finally, five people work in production, making the actual flavors.

What percentage of your employees are from Italy?
Around 20% of our employees are Italian, but only two of them actually live in Italy. Most live here in Switzerland.

Do you think cross-border workers are good for the company?
It's both good and bad. It's good because in Ticino, for example, there aren't always enough local people to fill all the positions, so we need cross-border workers. But it can also be a problem because some companies pay them less, which makes it harder for Swiss residents to find jobs. In our company, though, we pay everyone the same, regardless of where they come from.

Should younger people earn less than older people? If yes, why? If not, why not?
I think it's pretty normal for older people to earn more. If someone is 50, they might have been working for 30 years, and likely received a raise each year. That adds up. But I also believe people should be paid based on their value, what they bring to the company, and the quality of their work—not just their age.

When should someone start working? Should it be part-time or not?
I think it's good to start working part-time around the age of 14. Maybe a few hours after school or on Saturdays. Early work experience teaches responsibility, how a company operates, and how to manage money. The earlier you start learning these things, the better prepared you'll be for the future.

Are there any problems with employees?
Of course, there are always some problems. But if you talk to people and try to understand what's behind an issue, you can usually find a solution. For example, one of our employees—Mako, who you met earlier—used to work in production but didn't enjoy it anymore. He wanted a change, so we trained him to work in the office in shipping. Now, he's in charge of organizing all the flavor shipments around the world. As a boss, I believe you can do a lot to help employees grow and stay satisfied.