“A hybrid model that combines the best of remote and office work”
On the occasion of the European Sustainable Development Week, Inteliam highlights inspiring actions and developments from customers and partners. Today: Markku Nikkinen, Managing Director of HL Group Oy, on their flexible working conditions initiative.
What has been the starting point of this approach?
Because of Covid-19, we had to implement remote work for almost everyone in the company: a brand-new situation for us that happened almost overnight. Even if it wasn't our choice at the very beginning, we soon noticed that it worked efficiently. More than that, it brought many benefits: less driving, more flexibility for working hours. The only negative aspect was the lack of face-to-face communication. So as soon as it was possible, we decided to move to a hybrid model that combines the best of remote and office work.
How did you implement it?
First crucial step: creating the framework of such a new model through a dedicated policy. To do that, we asked for volunteers among employees to work on it and make a proposal for management to approve — a proposal that was accepted with only minor adjustments: a very smooth implementation. This policy clarifies for everyone in the company the rules of the game: fixed office days (Monday and Tuesday) and operational principles. For example: in Teams meetings the camera has to be on; working from abroad needs to be approved beforehand.
What are the results and feedback?
Results and feedback from employees and management are positive. Our first follow-up questionnaire reveals that 93% of the respondents consider well-being at work the same or better than before. For sure, we have some adjustments to do to improve this new policy, but we do not plan to return to an office-only model.
Markku Nikkinen, Managing Director, HL Group Oy
Other actions in the future?
We plan to renew our company car leasing policy, focusing more on hybrid and electric cars to bring fuel savings for the company, reduce CO₂ emissions and save costs for users.
