- I like to say that we collect people. With us, there's always room for those who want to, even if they don't necessarily have the experience. We don't need those who can but don't want to, says Sjur Risanger, General Manager of Risanger & Sønn.
By recruiting employees who show both a willingness to work and an ability to develop, the Norwegian HG-company based in Haugesund has built a committed and skilled workforce.
- We work closely with the municipality's refugee service, and we also take on one or two apprentices every year. We're constantly growing, and this is an effective way of recruiting employees. If we continue like this, we will be self-sufficient in good labor, explains Sjur.
Integration through work
The painter Servet illustrates Risanger & Sønns recruitment philosophy.
- I came to Norway as a Kurdish refugee from Turkey and I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've had, says Servet.
With no painting experience, but a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, he joined Risanger & Sønn through a Refugee Service program in 2019. After a successful placement, he was allowed to continue his work experience with a wage subsidy, and in 2021 he was offered a permanent position.
- Servet had no painting experience when he came to us, but his positive attitude and good humour meant that we saw great potential in him. He generates a lot of positivity, has a high willingness to work and is well liked by everyone, explains Sjur.
With support from NAV and the Norwegian Refugee Council, Servet also got a driver's license, which was an important milestone for his mobility and independence. Shortly after getting a permanent job, he bought an apartment for himself, his wife and their four children.
Encourages more companies to follow suit
Sjur finds the collaboration with Nav Haugesund and the Norwegian Refugee Council very positive and encourages other companies in the industry to follow suit.
- This initiative is not time-consuming for us. Nav Haugesund and the Norwegian Refugee Council are structured and easy to deal with, he says.
- The language background the refugees get before they come on placement is so good that it's not demanding for us to follow up afterwards. They get a good platform for entering working life.
Sjur points out that Risanger & Sønn has a multicultural environment where everyone must speak Norwegian at work. In addition to the safety, social aspects and good customer contact, this also helps new employees to cope better with school, kindergarten and integration into the local community.
Employee of the year
As a painter at Risanger & Sønn, Servet has had the opportunity to excel.
- My job means everything to me, and I like to spread joy and make my colleagues happy. I'm always in a good mood and tell myself never to complain, says Servet.
Servet's efforts and positive attitude were quickly noticed by his colleagues at Risanger & Sønn, and in 2022 he was voted Employee of the Year.
- We have an annual ballot where employees can vote for a colleague they particularly appreciate, says Sjur.
Servet received a cloud of good words from colleagues, framed in glass, which was given pride of place in the office for a whole year.
- We believe in giving people with determination and potential a chance. Servet is a great example of this, and we're proud of his journey with us, concludes Sjur.