Get insights of how working at RAUMEDIC feels like. People behind RAUMEDIC

Hello Carolin, please introduce yourself briefly.

My name is Carolin Wittmann, I am 36 years old, married and mother of a 6-year-old daughter. I live with my family in Aue in the Ore Mountains. In our free time we love spending time with our daughter and going on trips together. I really enjoy being outside, whether in my own garden or enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. 

After the pregnancy, I was looking for a career change with fixed working hours as I no longer wanted to continue shift work due to my small child. And I found what I was looking for at RAUMEDIC. This year I will already celebrate my 5th anniversary.

You work in the adjustment department at our plant in Zwönitz. Can you briefly explain what your department does?

The production of our microchip catheters for measuring brain and tissue pressure, temperature and residual oxygen content is very demanding. The catheters must be adjusted and individually calibrated to ensure that there are no temperature or pressure jumps between room and body temperature and that there is no drift. In the calibration department, the catheters are therefore adjusted so precisely by hand using measuring devices and resistors that no fluctuations can occur. This is then checked as part of a 60-hour measurement of the microchip. 

It is followed by the final test. In this step, the catheter is adjusted according to specified guide values and undergoes a tensile test. This step is also accompanied by comprehensive documentation. After successful testing, the catheter is finally cleaned before it is packed and prepared for dispatch. After external sterilization and shipment to our central warehouse in Helmbrechts, our products are now ready for use in neurosurgery, e.g. for traumatic brain injuries or strokes.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

Basically, each of my working days follows a similar pattern. First, I prepare everything for the day to make sure I have all the utensils I need at hand. Then I thoroughly clean the work materials. After receiving an order, I check one catheter after the other.

If someone in the team is absent, the departments support each other, i.e. I sometimes take measurements, for example. From time to time, I also have the opportunity to train new colleagues. I am pleased that I am trusted with such tasks, even though I have only been working in this area for 5 years. I am trusted to pass on my knowledge and I am very grateful for that.

What do you particularly like about RAUMEDIC?

I particularly appreciate the flexibility. If I have an appointment, it is possible to start later or finish earlier in exceptional cases. This makes it much easier for me if there really is no other option. One big advantage is that I don't have to work shifts at our plant in Zwönitz. I occasionally work on Saturdays, but that's quite rare, and the fixed working hours are great. 

In addition, I find a sympathetic ear with both my superiors and colleagues.
If I have a problem or something on my mind, I can talk about it. And they listen to me. I've experienced this differently in the past and I don't take it for granted.

How do you manage to achieve a good work-life balance?

It's important to switch off straight after work. As soon as I open the door, I hear "Mom" and then I concentrate fully on my daughter. I want to make the most of my time with her. When my daughter is finally in bed, I take care of the housework or, especially in summer, our garden. Gardening "grounds" me and sometimes I just enjoy relaxing there. This is how I divide up my day and find a balance between work and my personal life.

What would you do with an extra hour a day?

I would like to take an hour just for myself, for example to read a book again. Time for yourself is often too short in the everyday life of a parent, so this would be a great opportunity. 🙂

At RAUMEDIC, the year 2024 will be characterized by our value "Leading the future". What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of RAUMEDIC and "Leading the future"?

You have to be open to new things. I read something recently: "We don't grow when things are easy, we grow through our challenges." The more challenges you take on, the more confident you are and the more you develop. You can't always stay at the same point; you also must think about tomorrow.

For me, RAUMEDIC represents exactly this value of continuous growth and the active willingness to face challenges.