Sveaskog is Sweden’s largest forest owner and a state-owned company that manages around 14 % of the country’s productive forest land, and employs just over 800 people. With a strong commitment to sustainable forestry, Sveaskog balances economic growth with care for people and nature.
The challenge – why a health initiative was needed
Sveaskog had identified sustainable working life as a priority area in its HR strategy. To move from strategy to action, concrete initiatives were needed that both strengthened the organization and increased awareness among each employee. A health examination program became the natural starting point to get a common current picture to build on.
"We needed to focus specifically on health and create the conditions for making organizational efforts, but also create awareness and knowledge among each employee"
Annica de Jong
HR Manager, Sveaskog
The solution – a three-year, data-driven approach
The approach that Annica and Sveaskog developed together with OneLab consisted of three components:
- Medical sampling performed on site, to lower thresholds and increase participation.
- Medical questionnaire captures mental health, lifestyle and work environment factors for a holistic picture of health.
- Follow-up at both the individual and organizational level, for increased insight into one’s own and the organization’s health.
By systematically identifying risks and following up throughout the organization, the conditions for sustainable health are created.
"They managed to come out to all of our offices and do this sampling. We are located in 50 different offices throughout our long country, but they managed it and it went very smoothly."
Annica de Jong
HR Manager, Sveaskog
The effects – what the health exam initiative gave Sveaskog
Annica sees comprehensive positive effects of the investment in health on the organization.
Health as an everyday conversation
It became possible to talk about health, work environment and safety. Commitment increased and conversations moved into the coffee room.
Leadership and productivity
When health becomes a prioritized investment, both leadership and employeeship are strengthened. This in turn leads to greater job satisfaction and better productivity.
Attractive employer
Sveaskog sees the investment as a hygiene factor. Offering a health survey for companies is a way to be attractive as an employer and create pride internally.
Inspired by Sveaskog?
Here is how to get started
- Start mapping the current situation through a health survey for companies that combines medical sampling and a science-backed questionnaire.
- Set a three-year horizon to create trend data and establish the right priorities.
- Combine measures at the organizational, target group and individual levels.
