Paid language training led to broader recruitment, increased inclusion and safer work
Member companies: JYSK Sweden - Distribution centre in Nässjö
Theme: Languages, inclusion and skills provision
Time period: 2017 - today
Background
In 2015, Sweden had a historically high number of refugees. In Nässjö, JYSK chose to take an active responsibility, in collaboration with other industry players and the Nässjö Learning Centre. By offering internships at its distribution centre to people who have studied Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), JYSK wanted to give new arrivals a concrete opportunity to quickly take the step into working life.
Already in the first two years, the initiative led to more than 20 people getting permanent jobs at JYSK. They clearly saw that the language barrier did not have to be an obstacle. Instead, with the right efforts, it could become an opportunity for growth. There was a clear mutual benefit: JYSK gained new committed employees, while the individuals quickly got into work and got structure in their everyday lives.
At the same time, JYSK realised that initial SFI was not enough. Language is crucial for understanding safety procedures, building trust in the team and growing within the company. They also realised that it was difficult to combine work with language training, which takes a lot of time and effort from the individual. Therefore, they decided to develop a new way of working with language learning, integrated into working hours and focused on long-term inclusion.
Jysk's work in practice
Since the initial project with Nässjö Lärcenter ended in 2017, JYSK's distribution centre in Nässjö has continued to offer language training during paid working hours, in close cooperation with Nässjö Learning Centre.
The position means that
- During the first six months of employment, six hours a week are spent on vocational language studies, combined with work experience.
- Employees are offered the opportunity to develop their Swedish during working hours twice a week, with the help of professional teachers.
- Language cafés and discussion groups in the workplace have been introduced to build oral confidence in a relaxed environment.
- The Swedish4Real digital tool supports employees with workplace language and exercises.
Language efforts are not isolated from the business, but are closely linked to JYSK's internal development paths.
Insights and results
JYSK's distribution centre in Nässjö says that they have strengthened inclusion in the workplace through language training during working hours. The initiative has had an impact on employees, the organisation and society, and has contributed to a workplace with employees from more than 36 countries.
Among other things, the initiative has helped to:
- New arrivals, who have needed to strengthen their Swedish, have entered the labour market.
- 74 of the participants are still working at the distribution centre, and seven of them have progressed to management roles through JYSK's internal management training programmes.
- JYSK has broadened its recruitment base by not seeing language development needs as a barrier.
- The work environment and safety have been strengthened. Through a common language, more people are better able to understand safety procedures, co-operate across shifts and departments and feel safe in their daily work.