Diversity and international character are integral parts of Manor Software. This Croatian IT company with 20+ years of tradition echoes the tradition of its Swiss parent company, Manor, a department store and retail giant servicing over a million customers.
This is why the story behind Manor Software Katarina Čurković, an administrative assistant and part of the Logistic team, is so interesting. She came from Switzerland and works in Zagreb for a subsidiary of her homeland company. Katarina’s journey from the picturesque Ticino canton in Switzerland to the vibrant streets of Zagreb adds a unique flavor to the multicultural tapestry at Manor Software.
“I come from Ticino, an Italian canton that blends great weather, Italian cuisine, and fashion with Swiss mentality. It’s a perfect blend,” Katarina shares with a smile.
Katarina, whose parents originate from Livno, decided to change scenery and replaced Zurich, where she moved from her hometown, with Zagreb.
“I wanted a change of scenery and a different lifestyle. “Everything is a little slower in Zagreb,” she notes, “and the first thing I learned from my Croatian colleagues is ‘polako’—take it easy, there is no stress.”
What captivates Katarina the most about Croatia is its people. While they might not exude the same politeness and constant smiles as the Swiss, their willingness to lend a helping hand and the warmth in their hearts have left an indelible mark on her. “People in Croatia will do anything to help you; they have a huge heart,” she adds.
With a background in administration, Katarina brings a wealth of experience from working in Swiss and Croatian lawyer’s offices to her role at Manor Software. “I always worked for lawyers, and when I saw an ad for Manor Software, I thought this could be an interesting change for me,” she shares. The company’s requirement for proficiency in Italian, French, and German languages sealed the deal for her.
“I really love work-life balance, international team, and frequent communication with Basel.”
What resonates with Katarina at Manor Software is not just the international team and the work-life balance but also the company’s commitment to Swiss standards of operation. “As a Swiss, I had a tough time accepting how business is conducted in Croatia. But when I came to Manor Software, I realized it is a serious company that works by Swiss standards,” she reflects. The structured organization and the emphasis on taking employees seriously while providing constructive feedback make her feel right at home.
“Manor Software has the structure and organization of a Swiss company, takes their employees seriously, and provides constructive feedback for their work. I’m glad the company works the Swiss way, so I can relax and work as I was used to back in Switzerland.”
Amidst the challenges of a significant move to new offices and the hiring of multiple new employees, Katarina thrives in her role. Her responsibilities span administration, managing the Zagreb team, and fostering collaboration with Basel.
Reflecting on her experience, Katarina expresses deep satisfaction with her work, colleagues, and the overall atmosphere at Manor Software. “I like that the city is very safe, everyone is friendly, the city always has news, and in 20 minutes, you are already in nature,” she concludes, embracing the best of both Swiss workflow and Croatian warmth in her professional journey at Manor Software.