Why did you decide to work at Embriq?
Hans starts off by telling us that he was quite young when he started at Embriq. It was 2008 and he had just completed his initial training in mechatronics.
“So you could say that it was my training that led me to my first job at Embriq, and that was as a field technician,” says Hans. “I’ve been working here for quite a few years now, and it’s really good, because you’re always developing. Just imagine me starting as a field technician and changing electricity meters: it’s totally different from what I do now.”
What does your typical working week look like?
Hans is originally from Uddevalla but moved to Stenungsund a couple of years ago to be closer to his job in Gothenburg.
“We have a hybrid work pattern, which means that I go to the office in Gothenburg two days a week. It’s a pattern that works very well for me and helps me achieve an acceptable work-life balance.”
His tasks vary from day to day, but the common denominator is the focus on Embriq’s systems.
“As an application specialist, I spend a lot of time on support for our customers, in those systems that I specialise in. This also involves a lot of changes and adjustments. I plan and implement updates. Then I run courses when new features are released, and so on.
That’s it really. There will also be a number of project meetings that I sit in on where I can contribute my technical expertise. As a kind of technical adviser, you might say. These meetings might be directly with the customer, or with our integration team who may need to know more about the system’s features to be able to integrate with it.”
Which YouTube video describes you best and why?
“Here I would probably have to recommend a clip from the movie Airplane, which is an amazingly funny film. The reason for this specific choice is that it’s the best way to gain an appreciation of my sense of humour.”
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that few will know about.
Hans does not shy away from the odd pun when his colleagues least expect it, and he believes that the most important ingredient in a well-executed pun is that it should suit the immediate context.
“I really enjoy puns. But most people are probably already aware of that! You see, I do have a tendency to offer up the odd pun when we have a get-together after work. But I can’t pun on demand: the time has to be right for it.”
But just one fun fact is not enough – it turns out that Hans has also cycled at elite level!
“Of course, I shouldn’t leave out the fact that I also really enjoy mountain biking. I have actually competed at elite level. I’ve always been very keen on cycling and have been doing it for as long as I can remember.”
If you were to get stuck in a lift, who would you want to have with you and why?
“Now that’s a tricky question. But I would probably have to say a lift repairman, so that there would be someone to help me get out. It would be stupid to suggest anyone else!” Hans says, laughing.
What do you like most about your job?
“Mainly the fact that it really allows you to develop, that you’re always learning new things. You never know what might turn up and you’re always developing your skill set.”
On a final note, do you have any workplace memories that you particularly cherish?
Hans reflects for a while before opting to tell us about the roll-out for Göteborg Energi.
“I have lots of nice memories, but if I had to choose one in particular, it would be when we had a roll-out for Göteborg Energi and changed all the electricity meters in Gothenburg. It was great fun, because you could see the installation technicians doing their thing when you looked out of the window. You kind of got very close to what you’re actually working with. It’s a very special feeling when you get to see the whole chain!”