Meiju Hämäläinen's career at UPM Energy started a year ago as a temporary replacement. Hämäläinen fell in love with the company and the industry, and a few months later she was offered a permanent position as a senior specialist in the Hedging and Financial Trading team, which focuses on electricity hedging and derivatives trading. Around the same time, Lauri Poutanen also joined the team in the role of middle office manager.
Everyone is easy to approach
Hämäläinen and Poutanen describe the company culture at UPM Energy as open, supportive and trusting. Employees are given room to develop and the opportunity to be themselves. Managers and colleagues are easy to approach, and the organisation's non-hierarchical structure supports open communication.
Hämäläinen emphasises the supportive nature of the company culture, where no one is left to their own devices.
"The level of community spirit in the officeis what makes UPM Energy different from my previous jobs. I know that I can talk to anyone, and I would happily go to lunch with any colleague. There is a lot of trust between employees, and everyone is given the opportunity to excel in their work."
According to Poutanen, the atmosphere is professional but relaxed.
"Decisions are made together, not from the top down.”
Information is shared at all levels, right up to the top. Hämäläinen praises how more experienced employees are always ready to help and make sure that everyone understands the issues at hand.
People want to come to the office instead of working from home
UPM Energy's flexible practices, such as flexible working hours, support work-life balance. Although working from home is possible, most employees choose to work in the office, which strengthens the team spirit. According to Poutanen, this increases the sense of belonging and facilitates cooperation. In addition, the company's "leave work to work" policy helps prevent overwork.
UPM Energy has a strong focus on strengthening its work community. In addition to the typical Christmas and summer parties, the team spirit is strengthened by small surprises organised for employees throughout the year.
"There is always a positive atmosphere in the office. There is a lot of praise and encouragement for colleagues," says Hämäläinen.
According to Poutanen, the company's excellent canteen and cheerful staff are also important factors in the well-being of the working community.
Encouraging women in the industry
UPM Energy values diversity and equality. Poutanen describes how multiculturalism is part of the corporate culture and diversity is valued.
"Management always emphasises the importance of diversity. Everyone is allowed to be themselves."
Although the energy sector is traditionally male-dominated, Hämäläinen points out that at UPM Energy, women are actively encouraged to participate more, and their contributions are valued.
"I would say that UPM Energy has a strong sense of female community. There is a desire to attract more women to the company and to the industry in general."
Many opportunities for professional development
At UPM Energy, professional development is an important part of the company culture. Employees are encouraged to learn new things about the energy sector and their jobs.
"If you have any questions, you can always ask your colleagues," says Hämäläinen.
Working at UPM Energy is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the energy sector in one of Finland's largest power generation companies. Poutanen emphasises that he is particularly interested in working at the intersection of energy and finance. The diversity of the role offers many opportunities to develop as a professional, and development within the role is actively encouraged.
Hämäläinen points out that the energy sector is a very hot topic and that a wide range of skills are needed in the sector.
"Power generation is seen as an engineering discipline, but it's a field that can be loved even by those who are not familiar with the details of electrical engineering."
Interest in the electricity sector goes a long way
UPM Energy's working culture is characterised by a sense of community, flexibility and opportunities for professional growth. The company's open and supportive atmosphere creates a foundation for employees to excel and develop. It's a place where everyone's contribution is valued, and where it's easy to feel part of something meaningful.
Hämäläinen and Poutanen offer encouraging advice to those considering applying for a job. According to Hämäläinen, the most important thing is to be yourself and show interest in the field.
"You don't have to be a super professional, interest goes a long way.”
"The application process can feel challenging, but it's all worth it," adds Poutanen.
