“I feel as if I’ve always known everyone.”

Annette Hofmann, how would you describe your first months as Head of SSHE at ETH Zurich?
Inspiring, motivating, varied. I have been particularly inspired by what for me is a new working environment. My workplace is in the Octavo, where the spatial openness greatly fosters collaboration. That’s something I hadn’t expected. As an occupational hygienist, I have a rather sceptical view of open-plan offices – but now I’m taken by it.

Has there been anything that particularly pleased you?
I have been particularly pleased by the warm reception of both my team and the entire Executive Board Domain for Infrastructure. A great willingness to help and friendly atmosphere prevails at ETH. But you’re also allowed to voice criticism. I came here and felt as if I’d always known everyone – the chemistry is right!

You studied environmental sciences at ETH. What is it about these issues that interests you?
I’ve always been interested in natural sciences. But I’d never have been able to settle for a single discipline. I therefore enjoyed the multidisciplinary nature of my degree programme – not just focusing on one aspect but viewing things holistically.

So your choice of study was clear from the outset?
No, for a long time I didn’t know what I wanted to study. When I did then know, the only negative aspect for me was that you could only complete this degree programme in Zurich. Having grown up in Bern, I’d rather have gone to EPFL in Lausanne (laughs). But today I feel very happy here.

What experience during your studies has shaped you?
I learnt during my studies that you have to collaborate with others in order to achieve a good result. This knowledge continues to support me today. For complex issues you should as far as possible involve all players with their different perspectives. This interdisciplinarity is also something I find important for my current job. It’s important to acknowledge that you cannot know the ropes in every area. And it’s then just as important to get the right specialists on board. You don’t have to be able to do everything yourself.

After your studies you worked for 22 years at the University of Zurich, including 11 years as Head of Safety, Security and Environment. Now you’re at ETH. What is it about the university environment that interests you?
There are few companies in the area of occupational safety and health protection that are more interesting than universities, as it is here that you find the entire spectrum of professions. New risks are constantly arising in research, such as when it is carried out with new materials or in new regions across the world. You need to remain mentally alert for this and consistently reassess situations.

What does ETH do well in terms of safety, security, health and environment?
We are making good progress in the areas of training, information and prevention. We act in a very forward-looking manner and clearly have new trends such as nanotechnology, mental health issues, drones and robotics on our radar.

And where could we do better?
We could sometimes pursue more pragmatic solution approaches by getting those affected on board at an earlier stage. And safety and security is not a particularly relevant issue for many people. However, I consider it a great bonus to be working at a company that actively takes care of safety, security and health. It’s good to know that there’s someone ensuring you remain healthy at work. People need to realise that safety, security and health measures are a great service and not an annoyance.

What do you find difficult about your work?
One challenge is that we frequently have to strike a balance between the regulations and the desires of ETH members. On the one hand we have to persuade and motivate the heads of organisational units to fulfil the legal requirements, as otherwise we face reputational risks. But on the other hand, we need to permit as much freedom as possible in research and teaching. This balance is difficult to master and our critics are often unaware of this. Unfortunately it isn’t possible to please everyone – but that’s what also makes it so interesting.

How can we all contribute something to occupational safety and health protection?
By assuming our personal responsibility – even if this has become a somewhat emotive word in recent years. Nevertheless, at the end of the day each individual is personally responsible for using the correct working materials, protective equipment etc. It also helps if we all look beyond our own nose a bit more and learn from each other.

What is important for you in your collaboration?
For my staff to be able to work independently. And for us all to work together and not forget the others. Sometimes in our thoughts we are too caught up in our own silos. Important things for me are dialogue, fostering the network – nationally and internationally for exchanging experiences and benchmarking – and holistic thinking

How important are safety and security for you personally? Do you also sometimes take the odd risk?
I’m not madly venturesome, but I sometimes do things spontaneously that surprise me. For instance, I took part in a parachute jump on a trip to Botswana because I wanted to know what the region looked like from above. I’d never have dreamt I would do this – but I found it great!

Finally, what is your tip for healthy everyday work?
Take a break before or during work and do some exercise to clear your head. I go jogging every morning before work. This helps me to start the working day full of energy.
Also, don’t always just communicate with colleagues via e-mail or Teams, but also get up and go and see them from time to time and have more direct contact with them again, as healthy social contacts are very important for your own health.