To Anu Kalliomäki was offered the opportunity to move from Stora Enso's Forest business area to the Packaging Solutions business area – and to move to the Netherlands at the same time. Stora Enso acquired the Dutch De Jong Packaging Group a few years ago and has since invested in building a second corrugated packaging factory in De Lier, South Holland.
Kalliomäki has a long history at Stora Enso, and has previously lived abroad, in Germany. A new assignment abroad has been on his mind for some time.
"My husband and I have considered going abroad before, but it was postponed when the children were going through a difficult time. Now that they are adults and have moved away from home, and I was offered a really interesting and challenging job, everything clicked and we jumped at the opportunity. I moved here completely, and my husband works half of his time remotely in Finland. The children didn't mind being based in the Netherlands either," she says.
As a leader of change
De Lier is going through a transition phase, where it has already been partially integrated into Stora Enso's systems and operating culture, but there are still local information systems, for example. The financial processes need to be changed to match Stora Enso's own processes.
“I like working in a changing environment – it’s really interesting to be in a foreign unit that has recently been acquired, and that’s exactly why I was interested in this role. I was also setting up a controlling function in my previous role.”
The first six months of a two- or possibly three-year period have flown by, and Kalliomäki has had a great time.
“This has proven to be one of the nicest places I have ever worked in terms of work atmosphere. People are motivated to get things done and have a strong desire to develop and improve. When you explain things, it is easy to get everyone on board, and I have not noticed any resistance to change. The work ethic here is really high, and when something is agreed, we roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
The biggest difference in work culture compared to Finland is that everyone comes to the office every day.
“It makes communication faster and more direct. You hear things in the office that you wouldn’t hear at home.”
Home in The Hague
De Lier is a small industrial center near Rotterdam. However, Anu Kalliomäki bought an apartment in The Hague, following a recommendation, from where she can drive to work in half an hour outside of rush hour. During rush hour, the travel time could easily stretch to an hour.
“I leave for work at 7am to avoid traffic, and I don’t get home until after 6pm for the same reason. There’s not much time to do anything else during the week, but on weekends we go sightseeing, as there’s a lot to see within a short drive. The Hague is an international, really safe and charming city with a long beach and excellent cycling opportunities.”
A nice social network has also already been formed.
"There are other Finns here, and several former colleagues live in the Netherlands. I have already gotten to know some of my colleagues somewhat outside of work, and I also do yoga and Pilates, where I have met like-minded people."
However, the most challenging thing – besides finding an apartment – has been learning Dutch.
“Everyone here speaks good English, and they quickly switch the conversation to English, so my Dutch is still non-existent. As a foreigner, it’s easy to come and work here because you feel welcome here.”
