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Accepting diversity
Three projects have gone particularly well, he says. Each one has offered positions to a small number of people who have had a tough time either getting or holding down jobs. A combination of one-on-one mentor work plus a general positive attitude has ended in new permanent posititions for the new employees.
“It’s been an exciting process,” Toftdal says. “On the one hand, we offer trust and support to these people -- some of whom have never earned their own paycheck before. On the other hand, we don’t sympathize. We demand they do their work just like everybody else.”
Micro Matic’s company values include the following:
- Recognize and accept diversity
- No discrimination
- No special treatment.
Union reps
3F also rewarded the prize to Micro Matic because of the good relationship among union representatives and company management. Toftdal says this is an area that has received a lot of work in recent years.
“It used to be that each side was dug into trenches, shooting at the other. Now we have an excellent cooperation with the union reps. I’m really proud of that.”
The prize has had a direct effect on job applications in a time where other similar companies are having difficulties filling jobs with workers, says Toftdal.
“We have a waiting list of over 100 people just for one production area,” he says.
Micro Matic also won regional honours for best workplace in 2007. And in 2006 the company won the MIA Prize, which awards diversity in the workplace.
Link to MIA Prize article.
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