Humans of Orkla: Guri Kvam, Lilleborg

Today, we meet Guri Kvam, who works as a Food Technologist in Lilleborg – one of our Norwegian companies, that is home to brands like Lano, Blenda, Lux and OMO. It is one of our business units that operates in both the B2C and B2B markets. We thought it would be especially relevant to speak with Guri about the how she is adapting to the new ways of working and also how her subject matter expertise has become that much more important for our employees and customers.

What do you do:

I’ve been working in Lilleborg since 2008 as a Food Technologist focused with hygiene solutions, cleaning methods, detergents for cleaning and food safety. I work with all kinds of businesses, from gas stations to big factories, daycare for children to elderly home, and try to teach them best practice regarding cleaning and hygiene. I am also very proud of working in Lilleborg - a company that has 180 years of brand history. 

How are you adapting to the current working situation?  

I have been busy with questions and requests related to infection control, cleaning and disinfection. I have been working mostly from home, but I have had to go to the office to arrange our Webinars. A good internet connection is key!

Has it made you think differently about your work?

First, I am having to communicate more using my computer and phone and have to run our courses and training sessions differently because of the fact that we cannot meet face to face. Remote teaching limits audience interactions like facial expressions and feedback which makes it harder to know how listeners are taking in the information. Also the importance combining infection control with suitable methods for cleaning, and disinfection being done correctly AND in a safe way. Everyone needs to try to remember that there are also good microorganisms that we all need in our lives and removing them would be bad. The world is not a sterile place, and there are a lot of these bacterias that actually help keep us healthy.

What do you miss most about working in the office?

Meeting and talking with my colleagues during the day. I also miss meetings with customers.

We wanted to share Guri`s expert tips and advice on maintaining good hygiene and hand-washing that both individuals and businesses should be aware of:

1.Hand hygiene: Remove your watch, jewelry and rings before washing. Wash your hands in lukewarm water, spread the soap all over, rinse well, and wipe your hands dry with a paper towel or towel. If you have long nails, nail polish or nail extensions, they might be a reservoir of microorganisms so be aware.

Hand sanitizer can be used in addition to hand washing, if done the right way. Your hands need to be moist for at least 30 seconds.

Gloves can often be used incorrectly with the most common mistake being using them for much too long before actually changing them for a new pair.

2. Cleaning and Disinfection: Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and restrooms should be done on a routine basis with the right equipment, tools and chemicals. Listen to the guidelines given by your local health authority. In Norway this is Folkehelseinstituttet (fhi.no). The use of water in a bucket is considering old fashioned and may actually spread illness, and give added humidity to microorganisms to flourish and cause them to grow on places in which we do not want them.

3. Societal Implications: Lastly, I really wish that management teams, companies, and society in general, will see more and more the importance and value of cleaning, and why we need to regulate the way in which best practice cleaning is done. Hopefully the authorities will react to this global situation by upping the regulations and standards of quality surrounding this area so we are as best prepared as possible in the future. 

For more information on Orkla please follow us on Linkedin at Orkla Group or visit our website, orkla.com or orkla.no

*Handwashing photo courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto