“Recognition for hard work and dedication” – Aidian Oy was Finland’s Best TES Workplace 2023

Aidian Oy has been selected as Finland’s Best TES Workplace 2023. A competition run by the Industrial Union sought workplaces in the union’s sectors where things are in exceptionally good shape from both the employees’ and employer’s perspective. The criteria included straightforward and open cooperation between the employer and employees, and the recognition of shop stewards as representatives of all employees.

“We have a very open atmosphere, and employees don’t hesitate to talk to their representatives. We can handle any potential issues before they get out of hand. We have a great team spirit at Aidian, and are all working towards the same goals,” says Maiju Ollikainen, first deputy occupational safety representative, who entered Aidian into the competition.

“We’re committed to ensuring the wellbeing of our employees and providing equitable working conditions. The success of our business is based on mutual flexibility – from both employer and employees – which in turn enables us to respond quickly to changing circumstances and evolving market conditions. Appropriate terms and conditions for employment, open communication, and involving employees in decision-making have been crucial to our success,” says Olli Rautee, Supply Chain Vice President, at Aidian Oy.

At Aidian, employee representatives are valued by both employees and the employer. Collaboration is open and constructive, and other people’s opinions are respected even when perspectives differ. Shop stewards are recognised as representing all employees, and their position is secure and respected.

“Occupational safety representative Emmi Hirvonen and shop steward Outi Hirvonen have done a great job in increasing the visibility of employee representatives at Aidian. They’ve improved employee collaboration with the employer over the years, which has considerably lowered the threshold for dealing with all kinds of issues,” says Ollikainen.

“Winning the competition for Finland’s Best TES Workplace is a recognition for our hard work and dedication to creating good and equitable working conditions. This award will encourage us to continue down the same path and further improve our activities. It also demonstrates that our employees value our efforts, and that we’ve managed to create a positive and supportive working environment,” says Rautee.

Following the collective agreement for the chemical industry is easy, as both parties are familiar with the agreement and interpret it in the same way. Compliance with the collective agreement is self-evident for Aidian, as following these common rules will benefit both employer and employees.

“When giving the award to Aidian, the jury was particularly impressed by the fact that employees viewed internal communications as successful, and there were good opportunities for communication on workplace issues in both directions. Employees’ requests and wishes are listened to and considered, thanks to excellent cooperation between shop stewards and the employer’s representatives. The company’s prevailing culture of local agreement and negotiation is also heartwarming to see. Rather than taking a dictatorial approach, the company employs negotiation and agreement to create a more efficient and satisfied organisation, which is ultimately in the best interests of all parties,” says Toni Laiho, Sector Director at the Industrial Union.

“We would like to thank all of our employees and employee representatives for this achievement. This award is the result of a joint effort, and demonstrates that we can achieve great things by working together. We will continue our efforts to make Aidian a great place to work – a place where every employee feels valued and motivated,” says Rautee.

“This is a reward for our efforts to ensure wellbeing at work. We can be proud to work at Aidian, both now and in the future,” says Ollikainen.

Aidian Oy was established in 1974 as Orion Diagnostica. Aidian is an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) company that develops, manufactures and distributes fast and reliable CE-marked diagnostic tests for use in primary healthcare. About 300 employees are working on solutions for point-of-care testing. Aidian operates in more than 60 countries and, in addition to its headquarters in Espoo, has local offices in 11 European countries and China.

The competition’s main prize is an activity-filled away day in the midst of beautiful natural surroundings. In addition to the main prize, the winner will receive a diploma and the right to use the Finland’s Best TES Workplace logo in their communications. The winning team will also be interviewed for the Industrial Union’s member magazine, Tekijä.

How is the winner selected?

A company may be entered into the competition only by a member of a local branch of the Industrial Union.
The company must comply with the Industrial Union’s collective agreement to a T, and often exceed it at a local level.
Cooperation with the employer is always open and straightforward.
The atmosphere at both the workplace in general and within the entrant’s team is excellent.
In times of change, the employer always discusses matters with the shop stewards in advance.
Shop stewards are recognised as representing all employees, and their position is secure and respected.
The employees have elected a strong union organisation.
The local branch plays a strong role in the workplace’s activities.
Both the employer and employees understand the benefit of setting common rules via mutual agreement.
The winner will be selected on the basis of an overall assessment of all of the above factors.

For further information:

Toni Laiho, Sector Director, Industrial Union of Finland, [email protected], tel. +358 (0)50 303 9272.

Olli Rautee, Supply Chain Vice President, Aidian Oy, [email protected], tel. +358 40 9226684