IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AJ PRODUCTS
Managing Director at AJ Products Ireland, Tanya Cawley, shares a day in the life at a leading workplace solutions company. Plus, keep scrolling for your chance to win an ergonomic home-office bundle worth €439 …
AJ Products Ireland is based in Co Wicklow and is one of 20 AJ companies around Europe that make up the AJ Group, which employs more than 1,500 people. AJ Products has provided business solutions for offices, education and industrial spaces since 1975, with a wide range of over 15,000 products.
1. Can you tell us about your role and what drew you to the company?
I originally worked for AJ Products as a Digital Marketing Manager and loved my role, but wanted more responsibility. The draw to AJ is the people. The team is fantastic and always at hand, ready to support. There is no other company like it.
2. What does a typical day look like?
I start work by 8.30am, usually with a coffee and catch up with the sales team, then I catch up on emails, teams calls and meetings throughout the day. Thankfully, I can bring my dog to work, so I take her on relief breaks as I never left my desk before. Close of business, I usually go for walk or a few laps in the local pool before unwinding with a good TV drama with my husband.
3. How important do you think a well-designed workspace is to wellbeing and productivity?
It’s vital: when people feel comfortable and supported in their environment, they naturally perform better. Ergonomics isn’t just about a piece of furniture like a well-supported chair; it’s about creating spaces that empower people to do their best work, reduce stress and feel good at the end of the day. At AJ, we see the physical workplace as more of a tool to help people thrive, not just function in their job.
4. What are some of the trends you’ve seen in workplace design right now?
Sustainability is becoming a key driver in how workplaces are designed and furnished, which is great to see. More businesses are recognising the importance of choosing long-lasting, responsibly sourced materials and furniture. We can see a shift towards more flexible, adaptable workspaces. Communal desk hubs with lockers work well for those coming and going on different days, while meeting booths of all sizes have become quite popular in open spaces like this, offering quiet pods that people book to hold private meetings or calls. There’s a rise in “activity” based zoning too for teamwork or socialising, as well as growing interest in bringing the outside in through natural elements and greenery (real or artificial!) – which has a proven impact on wellbeing.
5. What has been your proudest achievement to date?
There has been a lot of changes in AJ since I started, from leadership style to ways of working, but the team of people that I work with is my proudest achievement.
6. How do you balance creativity with the commercial demands of marketing a global brand locally?
Coming from a creative background, it’s thankfully been an easy challenge. Although AJ has been present in Ireland for over 18 years, on a local level we weren’t well known. Engaging with media such as The Irish Times was a natural and effective fit, so we experienced a stronger positioning in the B2B market.
7. How would you describe your leadership or management style?
Respect is very important. I respect employees, understand their role and vice versa. We share our workload each week, so we understand all of our capabilities together. I’m not one to sit in the big office chair overseeing staff, I’m more of a ‘roll up the sleeves and get stuck in’ type of person.
8. As a working parent, how do you approach work-life balance?
My children are now in their twenties, but nothing makes me happier than hanging out with my two boys, listening to them talk about their lives and what’s going on with them. Being present is more important than anything else as a parent. When I was younger, it was very tough constantly juggling creches and work. I admire AJ’s approach to childcare.
9. Who inspires you: personally or professionally?
We’re living in terrifying times, so when I think about people who inspire me personally, it’s women from wartorn countries fighting to stay alive with their children. Everything else fades into insignificance.
10. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have what is known as Aspergers (ASD), so although I’m super chatty and outgoing, there’s nothing nicer to me than unwinding in a quiet place and recharging my social battery.
Win An Ergonomic Office Bundle Worth €439
AJ Products is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a sit-stand desk with height adjustment and anti-collision mechanism, in addition to a padded anti-fatigue mat that provides comfort and slip protection.
