Empowering our employees for a sustainable future
Anita Bela, Manager, Global HR Operations:
Before applying to Lindström, I did my own background research to ensure that the workplace where I would spend my eight hours a day reflected values, I consider important. One of the most compelling aspects that drew me to the company was its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Lindström’s dedication to creating a sustainable future resonated deeply with my beliefs. Once I started working here, I experienced this commitment in everyday actions and behaviours. This focus on sustainability is also a significant opportunity for employer branding, showcasing Lindström as a forward-thinking and responsible employer that attracts top talent.
Listening, exploring, and challenging the norm
In 2024, Lindström’s Human Resources (HR) team is focused on building a sustainable future by empowering our employees through various initiatives and policies. If I had to sum up this year in a few words, they would be listening, exploring, and challenging the status quo. But before diving into these themes, it is important to pause and reflect on change. It is a vital part of our lives, and we all are empowered to choose how we look at it and turn it to our own benefit. Just as our HR team has done, with passion. In fact, 27% of our HR team members globally joined Lindström in 2024, including myself.
When I say we were listening, I mean that at each level of the organisation with the utmost compliancy, including anonymous feedback channels. As the leader of our Voice of Employees programme, I have the privilege of seeing in-depth results and witnessing firsthand how equal treatment and a sense of belonging contribute to employee happiness and satisfaction. To uphold a transparent and accountable work environment, we also maintain an active whistleblowing channel. Listening to employees is crucial for understanding their needs and concerns. That’s why our People Forum also provides a platform to share ideas, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions.
Taking action for continuous improvement
We have also taken action by joining programs such as EcoVadis and the Target Gender Equality Accelerator from the United Global Compact. These choices reflect our commitment to gaining valuable insights, challenging the status quo, and improving the way we work. The process has required a critical look at our existing practices, helping us to identify outdated policies or processes. Fresh ideas, including insights from EcoVadis framework for a Platinum-level employer, have been key to benchmarking ourselves to our competitors.
We have carefully selected our material topics, reflected our people’s needs, and complied with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Our commitment to fair employment, health & safety, wellbeing, and learning & development, all underpinned by our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), has been the cornerstone of our strategy for creating a thriving and inclusive workplace.
Now, after almost a year at Lindström, I can confidently say that our strength lies in our teamwork, not only within individual teams and departments but across different teams, and functions. By fostering collaboration and mutual support, we can achieve our goals more effectively and create a more cohesive work environment. We focus on all our employees, regardless of their roles. All employees and employee groups, whether in production, sales or office-based functions, are equally important to our success, and we strive to provide everyone with the support and resources they need.
Fairness and wellbeing in practice
I have also learned that fair employment at Lindström is not just a policy, but a practice embedded in our culture. In 2024, we launched our Human Rights Policy to ensure our commitment to fair pay, clear employment, and a safe working environment. Having a policy means that we follow it through with concrete actions. This led us to benchmark market standards and revamp our job framework and compensation principles.
Another key learning has been that employee wellbeing is at the heart of our We Care culture. We believe that a happy and healthy workforce is essential for our success. We understand that wellbeing is a combination of safety, physical and mental health, learning and care. Therefore, we have strengthened the collaboration between our Health & Safety and HR departments, and I have been fortunate to represent the HR voice in this effort.
A future shaped by people
Before closing, let me give a sneak peek into the future. Some of our priorities include business and human rights practices, an ambitious digital portfolio, and employee wellbeing, to name a few. We aim to retain our talent by providing growth opportunities and ensuring that everyone knows they are equally important. This approach fosters a sense of purpose and belonging among our employees. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to building bridges that empower our employees for a sustainable future. Every day, we work to create a workplace where every employee can thrive and contribute to our collective success. Together, we are building a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Related
Our Defensive Driving Training Initiative aims to equip employees with the skills to drive safely and sustainably.
Our Turkish team celebrates employees' birthdays by donating 10 trees to wildfire-affected areas through TEMA, the Turkish Foundation.
