Gražina’s 22-year career journey: from construction sites in Lithuania to international projects
Workplace safety, professionalism, and continuous growth are the keywords defining the career path of Gražina Ptakauskienė, one of Staticus’ longest-serving employees.
Starting from local construction sites in Lithuania, Gražina successfully navigated the challenges of Staticus expansion into new markets, contributing to the company’s growth across Europe and the UK.
In this interview, she shares insights into how the organisation has evolved, the most memorable projects she has been part of, and the valuable lessons that have shaped her career and her personal life.
Hello, Gražina. Tell us, how did you end up working at Staticus?
My career with the company began when it was still known as Hrono Fasadai UAB.
From the very first day, I was pleasantly surprised by the working environment and the level of responsibility I was entrusted with.
I was given a huge and lovely office, which now belongs to our CEO, Aušra. That alone indicated to me that health and safety were handled seriously here.
Although I was young at the time, I was well-versed in occupational health and safety, having worked in the sector since 1984. From the start, I was in charge of guaranteeing employees’ safety and well-being, not just in the company’s offices, but also across construction sites.
How was work organised in the early days?
The goal was not just to ensure that work was completed efficiently, but also that everything was done safely.
My first construction site was Goštauto St. 40 in Vilnius. At the time, our primary goal was to train employees and ensure strict adherence to safety laws. The goal was to assure not just efficient task performance, but also that everything was done safely.
The year 2010 marked a turning point for the organisation, as it began working on international projects. This presented new issues, as construction sites abroad, such as Hogskolen and Risloka in Norway, had substantially stricter health and safety regulations. Adapting to these required not only learning new standards but also incorporating them into our regular operations.
How did your career evolve within Staticus?
My career progression at Staticus was steady yet purposeful.
Since the beginning, I’ve been truly committed to health and safety as well as the preservation of the environment. It was important to me to keep developing my skills and expertise.
I received a Master’s degree in Ergonomics from Gediminas Technical University in 2010, which enabled me to gain a better understanding of occupational health and safety principles and apply them effectively.
Managing foreign initiatives had a huge impact on my career and personal growth. Working with varied teams from different cultural backgrounds introduced me to new working standards and practices, which broadened my perspective.
How has the approach to workplace safety in the façade industry evolved, and what has had the biggest impact on your work?
Workplace safety has always been a top priority for me, but I’ve seen a significant shift in how it’s perceived over the years, particularly on international projects.
Stricter rules abroad compelled us to reconsider our principles of work, focusing more on prevention and employee training. Most importantly, this led the corporation to invest in new technology, processes, and talent development initiatives.
I realised that compliance with regulations alone is not enough; continuous improvement is the key to success in this field.
Adapting to these changes was difficult, but I was motivated by Staticus’ structured approach, clear guidelines, and professional culture.
What aspects of working at Staticus have left the biggest impression on you?
What I appreciate the most is the high level of professionalism and strong work culture that has always been at the core of Staticus.
Being a part of a company where every project is carried out with responsibility and where collaboration with colleagues promotes growth and learning has been a great honour.
Another standout aspect is the company’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges. This not only strengthened my confidence but also demonstrated the importance of teamwork.
Can you share some of the most memorable projects you have worked on?
One of the first and most memorable projects was the construction site on Goštauto Street in Vilnius.
However, the international projects in Norway, such as Hogskolen and Risloka, hold a special place in my memory.
These projects not only allowed me to put my knowledge into practice but also expanded my awareness of health and safety in a global context. Each assignment presented unique obstacles, but they helped me grow and gain fundamental experience.
What advice would you give to new employees starting their careers at Staticus?
My biggest piece of advice? Always go the extra mile. Don’t be scared to share your ideas and take the initiative.
Continuous learning and dedication to your job are essential for integrating into the team and achieving your professional goals.
Staticus values professionalism, accountability, and creativity, so don’t hesitate to take that extra step. Also, take the time to learn the company’s ways of working; this will not only benefit you but allow the entire team to function more easily and efficiently.