Mars’ Post

There’s nothing wrong with having a linear career, but I think moving between fields is one of the best ways to learn. I started my career on the Mars IT Graduate Scheme, in the 24 years since I have moved to HR, Sales and then back again. And whilst I have loved my time in each department, moving around has given me overall experience greater than the sum of their parts. Here’s a few reasons why I would encourage anyone else to do the same: 🧠 It allows you find your passion as you learn more about yourself – it was only after many years in IT that I realised that I wanted to focus on people rather than technology. 👣 Keeps you on your toes – you learn different core skills in every department, with each one a huge learning opportunity. 🔑 It improves a wider understanding of a business – I now have a greater breath of knowledge across Mars, which is invaluable to my current role in HR. 📈 Shows that an employer invests in you – Mars wasn’t obliged to facilitate these transitions, which shows the focus the business has on career development. I am proud to work for a company that encourages its people to move around internally, and I’m certainly not the only Mars Associate with a similar story. I like to think this is something that stands us apart as an employer. Have you learned any valuable skills from moving around in your career? I’d love to hear from you.

🌍 Making the Engine and Deck Officer Of the Watch (OOW) Role Attractive to Gen Z and Millennials 🚢 The maritime industry is evolving, and so are the expectations of younger generations entering the workforce. To attract and retain talented new officers and rating from Gen Z and Millennial demographics, the maritime industry need to address what matters most to them: purpose, technology, flexibility, and personal growth. 💼 Here’s how we can make the OOW role more appealing: Embrace Digitalization and Modern Technology: Gen Z and Millennials grew up in a digital world. Providing modern, tech-driven navigation systems, virtual reality training, and access to real-time data on board can enhance their experience. By adopting digital tools, we can make the OOW role more engaging and in line with their tech-savvy backgrounds. Promote Work-Life Balance and Mental Well-being: Today’s younger workforce places a high value on work-life balance and mental health. Offering regular shore leave, internet access to stay connected with family and friends, and mental wellness programs can make a big difference. Flexibility and support go a long way in making them feel valued and connected. Highlight Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Many Gen Z and Millennials are passionate about environmental issues. Emphasizing how the the industry contributes to eco-friendly operations—like reducing fuel consumption, optimizing routes, and implementing green technologies—can resonate with their values and sense of purpose. Provide Clear Career Development Paths: Younger generations seek growth and advancement opportunities. By offering structured career paths, mentorship programs, and access to continuous learning such as Continuing Professional Development (CPD), we can show that the maritime industry is not just a job, but a long-term, fulfilling career. Let’s make the life of an Officer of the Watch not only rewarding but also inspiring for the new generation. It’s time to shape the future of maritime by aligning with the values and aspirations of those who will lead it. #MaritimeCareers #GenZ #Millennials #OOW #Diversity #Sustainability #WorkLifeBalance #CareerGrowth

I’m celebrating 1 year at Mars today. Wow, time flies. So grab some coffee and hop on a super quick reflection journey with me: 1. Working with cool products is fun, but it’s the people who truly make your day-to-day special. I’m incredibly grateful for my team. Together, we’ve achieved so much in such a short time. Finding this kind of chemistry in the corporate world is rare, trust me. 2. Honestly, the sentiment above extends beyond my direct team – there are so many amazing people at Mars. It’s a light, collaborative environment where you have the freedom to connect with anyone, regardless of role or hierarchy. And this freedom to express yourself, to be yourself, is key. It’s what gives me the confidence to share my opinions at any forum knowing they’re valued. 3. I came to learn that I am truly energized by being a team leader. It helps that I have such a great team working with me 😊. I love spending time collaborating with them not only on projects but also on their development and career goals. I’m learning more and more about being a better leader every day, which is quite exciting, and I can’t wait to continue to grow in 2024 and beyond. 4. Remote work is great, I love it; however, I miss having an office to break away from my apartment-only routine. The good news is that I’ve found a Mars office in Manhattan, a Kinship office (a Mars company), just one train away from Brooklyn! I am actually typing this post from this office right now. Great way to celebrate my first anniversary at Mars! To those considering new opportunities and looking for new horizons, check out our career site. It’s a great portal, full of lots of helpful insights about Mars and why you should work here. I know that because my team built it :). And if there's something missing there, shout – we love feedback. ;) www.careers.mars.com #ProudlyMars #LifeatMars #Anniversary

Navigating a work-life balance in the #HVAC industry can be challenging, especially when your "office" is a machinery plant room, your "desk" consists of two benches, and the washroom is a walk away. For a mother returning to work after a significant gap, this environment might not seem ideal. Yet, this remarkable woman chose to join Mars Engineers, stepping into an office where she was the only other woman besides myself. Balancing her responsibilities at home with her dedication at work, she has shown incredible resilience. As a business manager, I have taken it upon myself to ensure her comfort, learning opportunities, security, and growth within our team. With minimal expectations regarding skills but immense trust in her hard work and dedication, I am thrilled to announce that 'Shikha' has successfully completed one year with Mars Engineers 👩💻 Her presence has been transformative, particularly in bridging the communication gap with our blue-collar staff. She has adeptly translated technical requirements into actionable tasks, significantly streamlining our operations. For instance, turning "hume silairanch chahiye" into "Requirement to buy an Adjustable Spanner" has not only expedited our processes but also fostered a more efficient workflow. I admire her ability to manage her time flexibly, sometimes arriving late or leaving early, and always checking in with her family via video call at 1 pm. These adjustments don't affect her performance—in fact, they enhance it. Her dedication to improving her Excel skills and writing better emails reflects how a supportive work environment can lead to professional growth. It's a reminder that we haven't yet captured a photo together, and she has yet to explore LinkedIn as a platform. Here's to celebrating her journey and looking forward to many more milestones together. Thank you Shikha, for sticking and building the synergy! #womeninbusiness #hvac #employeeanniversary #marsengineers

Discover the untapped potential of returners with Returnship & Marketing Manager, Valerie Buchman’s article: 'Talent Shortage: How MARS Returnship Has Effectively Hired Returners into Corporate Roles.'   Learn how these professionals are bridging the talent gap and bringing invaluable experience back to the workforce.   ✨Read the article here👉 https://bit.ly/4aJgyEl   #MARSReturnship #Returntowork #CareerComeback #TalentSolutions 🚀

💫 Check out my latest article! If you or someone you know are looking to return to the workforce after a gap, contact me to learn more about how MARS Returnship can help.

I’m excited to try something new this week, so thanks for sticking with me! As I wrap up the week with a reflection, I’d love to hear your thoughts and have you join the discussion. Weekly Reflections: Navigating Work & Life This past week marked my return to work after paternity leave, and I’ve had time to reflect on the experience of balancing professional and personal life with a new addition to the family. It’s been a whirlwind, filled with warm welcomes, great conversations, and plenty of learning moments. Coming back to NetEase Games has been incredibly supportive. I’ve received a lot of encouragement from my colleagues across various teams, which made jumping back in that much easier. My first week has been all about reconnecting, catching up, and having meaningful discussions about how to find that “ramp-up time” to ease back into work while ensuring I can contribute effectively. Of course, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been finding a comfortable balance between the desire to hit the ground running and ensuring I am fully present with my family. Like many of you, I want to succeed in both areas, but it’s clear that finding this equilibrium is a constant process of adjustment. As I navigate these early days, I can’t help but wonder — how do others in our industry manage this balance? — The video game industry is fast-paced and can sometimes blur the lines between work and personal life. For those of you balancing similar commitments, how do you ensure that both sides get the attention they deserve? I’d love to hear any strategies, tips, or insights that have worked for you. Whether it’s time management, boundary setting, or anything else, your experience could really help others (including myself) find better ways to manage this ongoing balancing act. #WorkLifeBalance #Recruitment #VideoGameIndustry #ParenthoodAndCareer #WeeklyReflections #NetEaseGames #GamingIndistry #CareersinGaming #Gaming

This deserves a double click.

As we approach the end of summer, it's a great time to pause and celebrate our achievements while preparing for the new season ahead. 🌻 Let's take a breather from our busy routines, soak up the sun, cherish special moments with loved ones, and embark on new experiences. It's the perfect opportunity to make the most of the remaining summer days! 🍂 What are you looking forward to the most in the coming weeks? #LastMonthOfSummer #ReflectAndRecharge #NewOpportunities #LinkedInCommunity 🌸 #EndOfSummerGoals #NewSeasonNewChallenges"

Summer Fun & Focus! How Do YOU Keep Your Team Engaged? ☀️ Summer's on its way, and while sunshine and vacations are awesome, keeping our teams connected and motivated is important too! We want to hear from YOU! What are your favorite ways to keep your team engaged during the warmer months? Drop your ideas in the comments below! Here are a few ideas to spark some inspiration: 🌸Themed Casual Fridays: Beach Day fun, Luau celebrations, or anything else summery! 🍉Outdoor Adventures: Park picnics, company picnics with games, volunteer days, or even hiking/kayaking trips. 🧑🍳Creative Challenges: Get those creative juices flowing with DIY crafts, cooking competitions, or team trivia nights. 💻Virtual Fun: Online game nights, virtual escape rooms, or summer-themed trivia for remote teams. 🍔Food Truck Fridays: Support local businesses and enjoy delicious summer fare together as a team! We're looking forward to hearing your unique ideas! By sharing your experiences, we can all create a summer full of fun, connection, and continued success for our teams! #SummerTeamEngagement #EmployeeMotivation #TeamSpirit #SmallBusinessHR