Fahrizal: Seeing possibilities where others see waste

When a customer asked ISS to create a place where employees could relax after work, Fahrizal saw an opportunity. Using wood from trees that would otherwise be thrown away, he and his team handcrafted furniture, giving the timber a second life and the customer a sustainable new space for employees to enjoy.

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Transforming a fallen tree into a space to relax and connect

Working as ISS Supervisor Technician at a plantation site in a remote area in Indonesia, Fahrizal brings a creative mindset to every project he leads.

“When I’m given a task, I always try to look at what else I can do to make things better or more sustainable. It’s about listening closely and paying attention to what the customer needs.”

When the customer wanted to create a place where employees could relax and spend time together after long working shifts, Fahrizal had an idea.

“At the plantation site, there were some trees that needed to be removed before they became a safety risk and I thought, instead of letting the wood go to waste, why not reuse it to create furniture for a space where employees can relax?”

Fahrizal worked closely with the customer to develop the idea and explore different designs. He and his team then transformed the wood into chairs, benches, tables, and wall decorations for the new space.

“After discussing the designs with the customer, my team and I started building the furniture. Seeing people using the space to relax and spend time together made all the work worthwhile.”

“People were very happy with the space. Many of them were asking if we could create something similar for their homes. I was very proud that the idea was later replicated at another site.”

From cleaner to leading a team of more than 20 people

That willingness to learn, find solutions and take on new challenges has also shaped Fahrizal’s own journey at ISS. He joined more than 20 years ago as a cleaner at a manufacturing company in his hometown in Sumatra, Indonesia.

“I wanted to learn, take on more responsibility and grow. After two years, I had the opportunity to apply for a supervisor role and on my third attempt, I succeeded. Since then, I’ve gained experience across different industries, including telecommunications and railways, before moving into the plantation industry in 2021.”

Today, Fahrizal leads a team of more than 20 people. Along the way, he has learned that delivering great service is as much about building relationships as it is about getting the job done.

“I had to learn how to communicate with different stakeholders, build good relationships with customers and work closely with my team. I also learned to act quickly and respond to what the customer needs. Being a good leader means always learning and be receptive to feedback.”

After more than two decades with ISS, Fahrizal is still looking for his next opportunity to learn and grow.

“I love my job and I try to do my best every single day. For me, ISS has become much more than a workplace. It’s where I’ve found a place to grow, develop my skills, and build a career. One day, I’d love to have the opportunity to work internationally.”