- This is my first HR job, but I feel like I've done a lot in these years. The role has grown with me, and I like that.
As an HR Business Partner, Therese supports managers and employees in a wide range of HR issues. She is involved in the entire employee journey - from recruitment and onboarding to competence development and termination.
- I also run many different HR processes and projects, am responsible for our HR system Hailey and am highly involved in the ongoing development work linked to Teamtailor, our recruitment tool. It is very "hands on", and Therese likes to keep track of the entire process - from the first contact with a candidate to interviews, contracting and closing.
A close-knit HR team with strong drive
Therese is part of a dedicated and close-knit HR team consisting of an additional HR Business Partner, an HR Coordinator, an Acting HR Manager and a regular HR Manager who is currently on parental leave.
- We are a fairly small but strong team where we all complement each other and where our different skills and strengths really come into their own. There is a lot of commitment, we have fun together and we are really passionate about creating an attractive, inclusive and developing workplace.
The fact that the HR function has a clear and active role in the development of the organization is something Therese appreciates.
- We are involved in many forums and have a say. This is a real strength - both for the company and for us who work with HR.
Focus on culture and community
For Therese, socializing is an important part of working life - something that is evident not least in her commitment to initiatives such as health challenges, after works, game nights and more. In addition, Therese organizes something called networking forums, an incentive for relationship building and socializing. Among other things, she is responsible for setting the content, keeping the various parts together and ensuring that the meetings are rewarding and inspiring. Networking is important for the company, our employees and for Therese of course.
- There is a strong will in the organization to do things together. There is a high level of commitment from everyone in the company, which becomes clear when something special is started, such as taking part in the Blood Drive or having a games night at the office, when many people get involved. It creates a sense of community and participation.
Therese says that another important part of her role is to support our managers and it can vary greatly in terms of tasks, but even here the community and the opportunity to work closely with their colleagues is in focus.
- For example, I plan, project manage, moderate and hold Great Place to Work workshops where we work with our employer brand, our working methods and our wonderful workplace culture because we want to continue to be a Great Place to Work, a certification that is very important, both for the company and for all of us employees. Similarly, I run what we call "New to PV", which is our induction program that all new employees participate in. Of course, I also support our managers in onboarding processes and everything that happens when we have a new employee.
- It is important that we constantly develop our workplace culture and how we work on our core issues. Attracting new employees is of course a key part of our growth journey. But it is equally important to look after the stars we already have. My goal, and the goal of the entire company, is for our employees to feel good, develop and have fun at work while feeling proud to be part of Team PV. Then we have succeeded as an employer and that goal line is always moved forward, we will always continue to strive to get better and live up to our convictions. It is an ongoing process.
No two days are the same
The best thing about the job, according to Therese? The variety and the people.
- No two days are the same. It really is a dynamic role. Some days are about recruitment, others about workshops, improvement work or supporting managers. There is always something new to learn or develop in. The variety of tasks and the opportunity to work with people is what makes my role so much fun. I find it particularly satisfying when I have been involved from start to finish. So, for example, when we've created a new HR initiative, which at first was perhaps almost just ideas or an Excel sheet, but which has ultimately led to the implementation of a completely new system. Then my work, and that of my colleagues, has contributed to improving and streamlining the business and that is a great feeling and knowledge!
Therese handles general questions from both employees and managers on an ongoing basis - big and small, as all questions are important. She is also in contact with external partners such as recruitment partners and various recruitment sites, with the aim of constantly improving and developing HR processes and being there to support all employees.
She has a particular focus on one of our business areas, Technology, where, among other things, she acts as managerial support. Our other business area, Compliance, also has its own dedicated HR Business Partner. For Therese, this means working closely with both Technology's managers and consultants. Together with the recruiting manager, she develops requirement profiles and advertisements for vacant positions. The practicalities in the background - drawing up contracts, handling email conversations and ensuring that every step of the process runs efficiently and professionally - are part of her responsibilities and are all parts that she works with on an ongoing basis.
Are there any particular lessons that Therese can share?
- The biggest lesson is probably the opportunity to grow in my role and that over time I have become more confident in what applies, what happens and how to handle all different types of scenarios. It will be a completely different thing to actually actively act on something and do something about it, than reading books from school and in theory knowing what to do. This is my first job after graduation, so everything I've done so far has been a learning experience and it has resulted in my skills and experience constantly developing and building on.
Outside work, there is time for peace
Therese lives in the academic hub of Sweden, Uppsala, where she also grew up. She likes to spend her free time on horseback and in the stable, a Location that always gives her peace of mind. Spending time with friends or working in her garden, where she grows all kinds of exciting things, are obvious elements of her time when she is not at work.
- I like riding, exercising, spending time with friends and family, and growing things in my house and garden. It's nice to have contrasts to work - and I like to have a lot of balls in the air, even in my private life. But there are still things that are soothing. When I brush and prepare a horse for a riding session, or when I put on my gardening gloves and plant - well then I try to be present there, in that very moment.
Recharging your batteries in everyday life is so important.
Thank you Therese for the chat and good luck in the future with both HR issues and home cultivation!
