WOMEN@OCTAVE: Our Work Life
Welcome back to the four-part series featuring the Women@OCTAVE: Chamodi Adikaram, Data Scientist; Dinusha Dissanayake, Data Scientist; Lamana Mulaffer, Senior Data Scientist; Nadeesha Ekanayake, Senior Data Scientist; and Shashini Gregory, Visualisation Analyst. Today, they will share their insight into what it is like to be a part of the OCTAVE work culture, and how they balance work and fun. Here are their stories.
Missed Part 1? Read it here!
How has your experience with OCTAVE been so far?
Lamana: My colleagues have a growth mindset and are very open to collaboration and peer-learning. The work we do — a vast and varied application of AI to solve business problems — challenges us to utilize different skills which broaden and deepen our technical exposure.
Nadeesha: From my first day here, I felt that it was a one-of-a-kind modern workplace; flexible and agile in terms of work arrangements and yet driven by purpose, vision, and values. It has a dynamic, collaborative, and more importantly supportive culture. It feels amazing to be part of a diversified team with different perspectives that inspire creativity and innovation.
How do you balance your work-life balance as a woman?
Chamodi: The inevitable reality is that you cannot expect a 9 to 5 job when you are in the tech industry. I am blessed with a husband who is proud and supportive of my career. Since we are both from the tech industry, he understands the nature of the work I do.
I believe that planning tasks and career objectives in advance has helped me to better manage my work-life balance. Since most of us work remotely in the new normal, working hours have become flexible. As there is no commute to work these days, I start my work early to close deliverables for the day as soon as possible and spend more time with my family. Becoming an early bird brings about a peace of mind with minimum disturbances, which is very important in our line of work.
Dinusha: I draw up a schedule which I follow without compromising my work or private life. The time not spent on my daily commute has improved my work-life balance immensely as I have more time and energy to focus on both.
Lamana: I too enjoy the benefits of remote working and the flexibility it offers. I can spend quality time bonding with my mom over meals or visiting family, while keeping up with my work easily. I have dabbled in different sports and caught up with friends and mentors in my free time, which allows me to improve my own mental and emotional wellbeing.
Nadeesha: I am well-organized and far-sighted, but always leave room for flexibility in my work schedule. I do not believe in rigid boundaries between office and family. Both are significant parts of my life and I prioritize based on the situation at hand. Being the mother of a little girl, I do not think twice to take short breaks while working from home, but I am disciplined to keep track of my deliverables at work. Contrary to most, I like to invest late nights and weekends in work, when my concentration levels are higher, and I am free of continuous disturbances from meetings and discussions. While building a rapport with coworkers is crucial for a healthy work life, I am aware of the need to limit timewasters such as casual Internet surfing, gossiping, and long lunches that make me less productive.
What are your thoughts on John Keells Group’s position on Diversity and Inclusion?
Chamodi: The mere existence of the Group’s policies on non-discriminations anti sexual harassment and the “ONE JKH” initiative is testimony for the company’s attitude and concern towards such matters. Especially as a woman, I feel welcomed and valued by the company. Awareness of matters such as diversity, equality, and inclusiveness has cultivated a supportive work environment where each one of us feels safe and comfortable.
Dinusha: At OCTAVE, I have never felt any gender-based preferential treatment and I feel that opportunities are given for talent and merit. We are all respectful towards the differences and needs of each other in our work interactions. I believe this is due to the proper policies implemented and maintained at John Keells Group and their strict endorsement by the Senior Leadership.
Lamana: I have felt very comfortable at OCTAVE. I find our team to be respectful, encouraging and kind. I feel that my voice is not heard. I think this is a result of the overall steps taken by the Group to increase awareness of diversity and inclusivity.
Continue on to the third instalment in this four-part series, where the Women@OCTAVE share their advice to young girls enthusiastic about Data Science and Engineering. Click below for tips on how to thrive in this field!
