Volvo Group counts almost 100,000 employees and its strong culture is what unites them across continents and 12 different brands. Many Volvo Group entities around the world received Great Place to Work certification in 2020, including Volvo Financial Services in Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Sweden, U.K. and the U.S., as well as Volvo Penta in the U.S., Volvo Construction Equipment in Argentina, Volvo Group Brazil and Volvo Group Italy.
“We are truly honored and deeply humbled to be receiving the World’s Best WorkplacesTM award,” said Marcio Pedroso, president of Volvo Financial Services, where almost 80% of employees work in a market recognized by Great Place to Work. “Our winning culture thrives on open dialogue, equality and fairness. This creates opportunities for employees that are important to their personal growth and engagement at work.”
More than 90 years
While some companies boast an inspiring purpose, innovation, or a strong culture with growth opportunities and fair compensation, it is the combination of these offers that has set the Volvo Group apart for more than 90 years.
The cultural effects are evident at Volvo Group University, an in-house learning center. Since the pandemic began, the university has offered webinars on such topics as setting up an effective home office, practicing better self-care, navigating change, and more.
“We want to help employees do their best in an environment they’re not necessarily used to,” says Pedroso. “This positively impacts our business performance, because employees see we care about their well-being.”
Making a difference in the community
Volvo Group employees are also deeply passionate about making a difference in the community, which has been more important than ever during the pandemic. A few ways the company supported front-line heroes and people in need worldwide include:
- Monetary donations to Red Cross International and the United Way;
- Producing and donating personal protective equipment (PPE) to local healthcare professionals in Europe, North America and China;
- Donating R&D expertise for ventilator development in the U.S. and electric motors for ventilator production in Belgium;
- Offering free meals to truck drivers delivering essential supplies in Poland and the U.S.;
- Donating groceries to unemployed and migrant workers and their families in South America;
- Food and laptop donations for families and for students in the U.S.; and
- Free truck deliveries of needed supplies to several charities with local and global reach.
