Staff Spotlight: Layan Al Masri

Next up for our staff spotlight series is Layan Al Masri! As our HR Specialist, Layan has played an instrumental role in equipping our team against the impact of the pandemic over the last year:

1) How long have you worked at Associated?

In a couple of weeks, it'll be three years!

2) Describe your journey at Associated so far.

It’s been an adventure so far and continues to be in many ways. It’s funny because when I was in University in 2016, I had an assignment where I needed to research a company and their involvement in the community. Dennis, one of our sales reps, mentioned Associated and volunteered to take me on a tour. I had the chance to visit Associated, see how the labels were made, and learn about their community involvement. Two years later, I was looking for a job and saw that Associated was looking for someone in Human Resources. I jumped at the opportunity to apply!

I've had the best time building this department and learning everything I could about the printing and packaging process.

3) How would you describe the work environment?

It's an amazing work environment. I am challenged every day and have countless opportunities to learn and be better. I have an incredibly supportive manager that values what I bring to the team and allows me to bring my own interests and projects to the table. I couldn’t ask for a better environment to grow!

I also have the pleasure of working with like-minded people who strive to bring the best energy to everything we do. It’s incredible to come into work with a team of high-energy individuals that are passionate about what they do.

4) What is your favourite thing about working here?

It's the people! Everyone from management to production makes Associated a fantastic place to work. No matter what’s going on, everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support.

5) What's been your best day at work so far?

Honestly, every day is special and presents an opportunity to have fun and do something differently.

6) What are you most proud of since working here?

When I started at Associated, the HR department was still very new. I am really proud of how far the department has come along, how many processes have improved, relationships built, and new projects implemented. I think that any day I can make a difference, whether for the company or for an employee, is a day I can be proud of.

7) What is the biggest challenge you've had since working here?

The pandemic is the biggest challenge I’ve had since working here. Just before COVID-19 hit us in BC in January 2020, I remember thinking that we really need to prepare for all of the possible outcomes of impact. Once March rolled around, I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of ensuring our team’s safety. I remember doing hours and hours of research to create and implement our operational plan. Despite everything, Associated remained efficient and operational throughout the pandemic. It takes a team to own that responsibility, and I’m incredibly proud of how well everyone took these changes in their stride.

8) Do you have a particular moment or memory at Associated that stands out for you?

I tend to be a bit on the clumsy or unlucky side of things. Back when I started at Associated in April 2018, and on my birthday nonetheless, I was getting ready for work and found that I had a flat tire. When I went to get my spare from the trunk, it was flat too! A few weeks later, I was getting ready for work again and bumped into my metal bed frame, leaving a huge gash on my leg. I ended up having to go to the hospital to get stitches and a tetanus shot! At the time, all I could think about was how I was trying to show consistency and commitment to my new job, but all of these dramatic things kept happening. Although my manager was very understanding, explaining the situation felt the equivalent of saying that my dog ate my homework!

9) What does a typical day look like for you, and what are you currently working on?

It's usually eventful, especially in this pandemic. Every day is different, whether it’s working on recruitment, employee relations, COVID-19 management and safety, or just working on projects to help improve our processes. I can work on something new every day, and it’s never boring.

10) Describe the advancement opportunities here.

I love the way we operate when it comes to advancement. When we have a new opportunity, we give the advantage to our internal team, conduct interviews to go over the skillset, and then select the candidate best fit for the role. We have a team of people here who started in a variety of roles from production to shipping, who are now in management roles.

11) How does Associated support professional development?

Associated values the ability to develop and grow. As an example, I really wanted to pursue my CPHR, and the company has been supporting me throughout! I can proudly say I am on my way to being designated as I am currently a CPHR candidate. We offer development opportunities and also encourage employees to come to us with their interests so that we can help support their professional development journey.

12) What is on your wish list for the next 5 years?

Can I say everything? The sky is the limit! As of right now, though, the one thing on my wish list is the ability to travel again.

13) Given the chance, who would you be for a day?

I enjoy being myself, and I think I can be whatever I want to be if I set my mind to it. We are all so unique in so many different ways; there’s nothing better than that.