In recent years the paperboard production has focused on creating more work groups with a mix of both women and men.

"Getting a job here is no longer about being a man or a woman but about showing interest and doing good work. The managers are skilled at seeing this and at hiring based on ability," Marta explains.

She is backed up by her colleagues Eveline and Elsa. They believe a team needs different qualities which can complement each other.

"Sometimes it's an advantage to be tall and strong and sometimes to be short and agile,” says Elsa. “Nowadays we also have equipment so that the work can be done on equal terms. Instead of pushing the board reels with muscle power we can just as easily use tools such as the Easy Mover. That makes it easier for everyone."

Eveline Hamberg stresses that working on the board machine is almost always about teamwork.

"Cooperation is very important for production to flow," she says. "Just like in a football team, we need to help each other, give each other a boost and encourage each other. Through the headsets we usually have continuous contact with the entire shift team, who are often spread out at different stations along the machine."

The three operators, Eveline, Elsa and Marta, agree that it's more fun to work in a mixed team. And they have been told that the working environment has changed since more women have been hired.

"People think a bit more about how they talk to each other and what words they use. I think it's just a nicer environment to work in than it was before," says Marta.

It's not just the proportion of women that has increased in the board production in Iggesund but also the age range of the employees.

"We have great fun together on shift. Whether you are 20 or 65, you are an important player here and are expected to contribute. Our older colleagues have a lot of knowledge that we younger ones can benefit from. And those who have been working for a long time enjoy it when we young people come in and tell us it brings a breath of fresh air to the workplace," Marta concludes.

 

Facts Women in Holmen

From the social sustainability section of the Holmen sustainability report:

Women in Holmen

The forest industry is a continued male-dominated sector and Holmen works continuously for a better balance. However, the proportion of women in the Holmen Group is still unsatisfying, 20.9 percent, which falls within the range of other industries. Of the employees hired in 2022, 44.4 per cent were women.

Women in the management teams

In order for the number of women in higher positions to increase further, it is necessary for the proportion of female employees to increase in general, especially female operators. These often form the recruitment base for the first-line manager. Holmen has been working for many years to increase the proportion of female operators, but it will take time before we can see any results.

The Holmen Board consists of three women of a total of twelve board members, all elected by the AGM. Out of the total number of managers, there are 23.8 percent female managers and two women are part of Holmen's Group management.

Read more about Diversity and Equal treatment at Holmen’s web site.