The prize was presented on Wednesday to Visidon’s Head of People and Culture, Sami Töyrylä.
This year, the International Employer of the Year in Oulu competition sought inspiring success stories with the goal of sharing best practices in international recruitment and strengthening Oulu’s reputation as an attractive hub for global talent.
The award decision highlighted that high-tech company Visidon has understood from the very beginning how international workers can strengthen business. Around ten percent of Visidon’s employees are international talents. The company offers equal opportunities for both Finnish and foreign employees. Language skills or the lack of them are not a barrier, as English is the official company language.
International employees are fully integrated into the work community and are not treated as a separate group. Visidon also has a tradition of organizing Nights of Culture events, where employees showcase aspects of their culture, such as food.
It was also revealed during the award ceremony that the competition application was written by one of Visidon’s international employees.
An honorary mention went to the University of Oulu, where more than a quarter of the staff are international employees. The university has worked consistently to support employee well-being and integration. Clear processes, such as Finnish language courses and the Spouse Program, help employees and their families settle into life in Oulu.
The award for the University of Oulu was received by HR Specialist Kaisu Kanstrén and Diversity and Inclusion Specialist Taina Cooke.
The prizes were presented by Jennimari Koskela, Chair of JCI Oulu, and Project Manager Reija Karjalainen. The event was part of the Oulu International Network meeting.