Peab and Arizona Chemical Named Top Summer Employers of the Year
We identified Finland’s best summer employers: Peab, a civil engineering firm, won the large organizations category, while Arizona Chemical, a chemical company based in Oulu, was ranked first in the small and medium-sized enterprises category.
In the large organizations category, the forestry machinery company Ponsse took silver and the rental housing company VVO took bronze. In the small and medium-sized organizations category, second place was shared by the ice cream stand company Jarkko Nikkilä and Lasten Kesä, which organizes children’s camps.
A total of 95 employers participated in the competition, and responses were received from 5,036 summer workers. The competition was conducted as an online survey during June and July 2016, and the winners were selected based on the overall feedback received from the summer workers. Employers were evaluated based on factors such as the job application process, orientation, the meaningfulness of work tasks, and fairness.
SUMMER WORKER OF THE YEAR 2016 – ATTITUDE COMES BEFORE EXPERIENCE
This year, for the first time, the Summer Employee of the Year award was presented in collaboration with Oikotie Jobs. The winner was high school senior Emma Hietanen, who impressed with her attitude while working at the Falkulla livestock farm in Helsinki. Her employer described Hietanen as calm, a quick learner, and a reliable employee.
– Emma is able to accept areas for improvement and constructive feedback, and she is capable of articulating and analyzing her own work methods, explains Jatta Pulli of the City of Helsinki Youth Services Center in her statement.
The selection of the Summer Employee of the Year was based on recommendations from the summer employers participating in the campaign regarding their own employees. All the nominees were noted for their many positive qualities and received excellent recommendations.
“In making our selection, we focused on future-oriented workplace skills—namely, customer-centric thinking, initiative, and an uncompromising, positive attitude toward work,” says Päivi Salminen-Kultanen, project manager for the Responsible Summer Job campaign.
– The recommendations reveal that young people should not worry too much about their lack of experience when applying for summer jobs. Based on feedback from summer employers, what matters most in the workplace is personality, the ability to learn, and a respect for work.
SUMMER WORKERS DO NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH FEEDBACK
According to the survey, young people generally feel that there is a good atmosphere at their summer jobs and that it is easy to discuss any concerns they may have with their supervisor. The summer work experience was evaluated based on 27 different criteria, with the provision of regular feedback receiving the lowest rating by a clear margin.
“A new generation is entering the workforce, one that is accustomed to receiving continuous and constructive feedback. Management is therefore facing an entirely new kind of challenge,” says Salminen-Kultanen.
– Feedback practices require a new perspective and a more proactive approach from managers, as well as open dialogue throughout the organization.
A record 328 employers participated in the campaign this year, employing a total of more than 50,000 young people.
Read more: www.kesaduuni.org
TOP 10 WINNERS OF THE "MOST RESPONSIBLE SUMMER JOB" CONTEST:
Large Companies
1. Peab Oy
2. Ponsse Oyj
3. VVO Group Oyj
4. Caverion
IKEA Oy
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd
7. Fingrid Oyj
Finnair
Vahanen Group
10. Arctech Helsinki Shipyard
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
1. Arizona Chemical Oy
2. Jarkko Nikkilä Oy
Lasten Kesä ry
4. Isojoen Konehalli Oy
5. OP Etelä-Pohjanmaa
6. Castrén & Snellman Attorneys Ltd
7. OP Etelä-Häme
8. Hämeenlinnan Seudun 4H-Yhdistys
9. Konneveden 4H-Yhdistys
10. Lännen Palveluyhtiöt Oy
Special Mentions
Biggest Climber on the List: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Most Innovative Summer Job Practice: Elo Pension Fund
Exemplary Employer of People with Disabilities and Partial Work Capacity: Pohjois-Karjalan Osuuskauppa
Exemplary employer of people under 18: Konnevesi 4H Association
Exemplary role model for young entrepreneurs: Heinähanko Oy/Hangon Casino
Summer Employee of the Year: Emma Hietanen, Falkulla Farm, City of Helsinki
"Responsible Summer Jobs 2016" is a joint campaign by the Economic Information Office TAT, T-Media, Sonera, Nokia, RAY, and Oikotie Jobs, which challenged employers to offer young people more high-quality summer jobs. The employers participating in the campaign have committed to the six principles of a good summer job, which are: a positive applicant experience, meaningful work, orientation and guidance, fairness and equality, reasonable pay, and a written employment contract and certificate.
