During the participation in the program, the Environmental Board was praised for not having forgotten the need to pay even more attention to creating the “our” feeling and a common organizational culture as a new merged institution during the corona crisis. For example, our virtual coffee mornings were highlighted, which is a good example for other organizations as well. This brings the employees of the Board together again and again in the corona situation when it is difficult to meet face to face. In addition, we have been noticed for the high level of vaccination of our employees (90%) all over the country.
Olav Avarsalu, our Deputy Director General, thinks that the program is a good reminder to both the employer and all the employees. We have a lot of things that are good already now, but we are already so used to them in our daily work lives that we may not perceive them as values that other organizations are still striving for. “If you look at the recently published list of the qualities of a desirable employer, we can also associate many of these qualities with the Environmental Board, for example, flexible working hours, enabling remote working, a friendly work environment, involvement in making important decisions. However, there are definitely aspects where we have to make an effort to maintain and deserve a good level as an employer,” said Olav Avarsalu.
According to Tanel Kiik, the Minister of Health and Labor, the idea of the Family-Friendly Employer Program is to change the attitude of the society more caring than before towards employees and their close ones. “Organizations participating in the Family-Friendly Employer Program constantly and systematically look for ways to maintain positive work culture where employees feel good to be. Today 's recipients of the label have made great efforts to maintain the spirit of cooperation even in the most difficult crisis situations and have found smart solutions to support the motivation of the employees,” said Kiik.
As an employer, the Environmental Board has considered the arrangement of work in such a way that it also takes into account the reconciliation of work and family life to be one of the important components of work satisfaction. Competent and motivated people are also one of the five major development goals in our new strategy.
Organizations applying for the label participate in the Family-Friendly Employer Label Program for 1.5 to 3 years. They will then be awarded a bronze, silver or gold label, depending on the evaluation. The consultation and evaluation of the program covers various aspects of the work life, from recruitment to termination of employment, and includes recognition of employees, support for professional development, and ensuring good working environment, communication climate, organizational culture, and information flow.
Further information:
Margit Klein
Chief Specialist of the Customer Service and HR Department of the Environmental Board
margit.klein@keskkonnaamet.ee
5693 0801
