Elisa achieved gold level in the family-friendly employer programme

Elisa achieved gold level in the family-friendly employer programme, issued annually by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Achieving gold level is a sign that Elisa is an employee and family-friendly company that uses family-friendly management methods. The family-friendly employer programme helps draw attention to the importance of having a family and employee-friendly work environment, which has an impact on both work results and employees’ private lives.

Elisa provides flexible work methods, making it possible for employees to choose their hours and work remotely, thereby balancing work and family life in a more effective manner. Modern and inclusive management and several different and new methods of communication are also in use. Elisa’s podcast “Elu Elamus” (Experiencing Life), the half-hour web show “Rutiinist vabaks!” (Free Yourself From Routine!) and the column “ Millest mõtlete?” (A Penny For Your Thoughts?) are excellent examples.

Elisa responded quickly to the spread of the coronavirus and made the necessary changes to its working environment. It also organised mental health related trainings for its employees. Currently, the “ Mure Mugija” (Dissecting Problems) project allows all Elisa employees to call an anonymous phone line free of charge to prevent their professional worries from burdening their private life. The line is available in both Estonian and Russian. Using Coursy to provide online solutions to help new workers adjust to the organisation is another example of a beneficial practise here at Elisa.

A feature of family and employee-friendliness is the 4-day work week pilot project. The gold level confirms that Elisa employees’ net promoter score and loyalty are very high and that family-friendliness is an important part of the organisational culture.

“We faced many challenges during the programme,” says Keishy Margus, Elisa’s head of recruiting. “We passed the programme during a crisis period and we needed to adjust to certain external influences. We constantly had to redo activities we had planned. But we didn’t let that stop us. After all, we’re used to change, innovation and reform.”

Anette Kuusmik-Piiber, project manager of the family-friendliness programme, is responsible for implementing the programme in Elisa. Anette Kuusmik-Piiber and board member Kaija Teemägi attended the programme’s final evaluation, from which they returned as the recipients of the gold level title.

In 2020, Elisa started focusing on the family and employee-friendliness programme to receive feedback on their current level and set goals for reaching gold level. Elisa employees decided to contribute in all areas equally: working hours, internal communication, social climate, work environment, health improvement, adjustment period, recognition and motivation, professional continuity, professional improvement and support and research.

Elisa received its recognition from Peep Peterson, the Minister of Health and Labour, and Signe Riisalo, the Minister of Social Protection, on 23 November at a formal event.

So far, 113 organisations have received the title issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The family-friendly employer title has three levels: gold, silver and bronze. The different levels demonstrate the degree to which an employer implements family-friendly policies in their organisation. It usually takes up to three years to achieve the programme’s title. The rules state that all recipients of the title must undergo a follow-up evaluation after two years have passed from receiving the title.