Sponda aims for continuous improvement and learning in all its operations. Employees are encouraged to be independent and active in their own work and in personal development. Common training programmes are arranged for personnel based on the needs identified in appraisal discussions and arising from the human resources strategy, or personnel may be offered the opportunity to participate in training outside the company. In 2010, there were 2.9 training days per person and training costs accounted for 6.0 per cent of salaries.

 

In 2010, Sponda continued and developed measures on the basis of the company’s customer relations strategy. The goal is to make customer relations work more systematic, planned and transparent throughout the organisation and to develop common procedures for the work of those who operate at the customer interface.

In summer 2010, the company organised training for all employees who operate at the customer interface to identify new methods for customer relations work. The objective of the training was to improve effectiveness in the leasing of properties, increase occupancy rates and improve customer satisfaction. The content of the training programme was developed with the involvement of the participants and they also had a say in the choice of the training provider used.

One of the major themes in 2010 was increasing environmental awareness and expertise. Employees were encouraged to think ecologically, emphasise energy efficiency and act in line with green values in many ways during the year.

 

One example of encouraging ecological choices is Sponda’s company car policy. The goal is to promote the use of vehicles with low carbon dioxide emissions as company cars. By choosing a car with carbon dioxide emissions below 160g/km, the employee is compensated for each gram below 160 in the form of having less money deducted from their salary due to the car benefit.

 

Employees with company cars also attended training during the summer to assess the economy and safety of their driving style. The driving training is part of Sponda’s Green Office environmental programme that, among other things, aims to reduce the environmental impact of commuting and other work-related travel.

 

Green values were also highlighted in as part of the annual SponDay personnel day organised for all employees. This year’s themes were recycling and self management.