A workplace open to everyone 
At Westermo, an attractive workplace means that all employees are welcome, feel fairly treated and are secure in taking responsibility for our business through clear standards. Gender equality is a priority segment. In 2023, 30% (21) of Westermo’s leaders were women, a significant increase, demonstrating that the business entity’s work on this issue is paying off.

“At Westermo, we value a dynamic environment where there’s room for everyone. Gender equality is a natural part of it and helps create a more sustainable workplace. It’s important that more women are in leadership positions; this offers new ideas, different perspectives, and ways of working - creating potential for the whole group to grow,” explains Linda Kärreby, Westermo’s VP of HR.

Linda Kärreby, VP of HR.

Westermo is working actively to promote the equal rights of women and men in terms of work, employment terms and development potential. Gender diversity is measured for managers, employees, consultants and trainees, as well as for undergraduate students. It is essential that the recruitment process is tailored to improve gender equality. When a job ad is produced, the text is digitally analyzed for gender-neutral language. In a male dominated sector, this is an important way to attract more women.

Health and safety topics are important to Westermo. In 2023, the company produced a new global policy and instructions on health and safety. Its purpose is to ensure that the company enables well-being for employees, contractors and visitors, and complies with relevant laws and regulations. Managers are encouraged to maintain open and transparent leadership to prevent, and in good time deal with potential discrimination, harassment and health issues. 

Engagement evolves corporate culture 
Systematic work on developing occupational health & safety is important. Westermo conducts quarterly employee satisfaction surveys that focus on occupational health & safety issues. The surveys completed in 2023 indicate that employees are very satisfied. They respond to questions on a 1-100 ascending scale. The long-term goal is 80, which Westermo has achieved every year the survey has been conducted. The result in 2023 was 83 and on questions regarding employees’ views of their managers, the level was 89.

“Engaged and inspired employees are key to an attractive working environment. Westermo has a staff-operated wellness group that runs activities from jogging to making Christmas wreaths. This is the type of commitment a lot of people appreciate,” continues Linda. 

Skills management sharpens competitiveness 
Creating change requires skills. In the year, Westermo invested in promoting managers and employees’ professional development, focusing on management training. “We Lead” is a management program that centers on conduct, leadership and exchanging best practice. One of its modules “Stress Resilience” is based on detecting and understanding early signs of stress and offering know-how on working preventatively with it.

“Unconscious Bias” is a module designed to make managers aware of prejudices so they can make more inclusive decisions. Managers should understand how people unconsciously classify individuals based on previous experiences. Every individual should feel recognized and able to grow. The investments made in employees’ and managers’ skills development are an investment in Westermo’s long-term sustainability and growth.

“We want to keep offering and promoting these opportunities. It strengthens our team and positions us as an attractive employer. We’re convinced that continuous training initiatives are critical to maintain and sharpen our competitiveness. The people that work at Westermo are our most valuable asset for continued success,” concludes Linda.