SAS named Sweden’s best place to work among medium-sized companies for third straight year

Business is better with a satisfied staff

STOCKHOLM  (Apr. 02, 2009)  –  SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, has been ranked the No. 1 medium-sized company to work for in Sweden by the Great Place to Work Institute for the third consecutive year. The category includes companies with up to 250 employees. SAS, where employee satisfaction underpins the business model, believes that committed employees perform better and attend better to customer needs. 

The US-based Great Place to Work Institute selects best workplaces by country, based on employees’ relationships with management, work, the organization as a whole, and one another. “The ‘best workplace’ concept emphasizes the importance of each employee to a company’s future,” says Liselotte Jansson, Country Manager at SAS Sweden. “At SAS, our non-hierarchical, open business culture ensures that employees’ responsibilities match their competencies, combining interesting work with a stimulating environment.” 

The focus on employee satisfaction permeates the whole company, fueling a clear strategy of treating employees with respect and seeing each as an individual. Since its inception in 1976, SAS’ philosophy has been: treat employees as if they make a difference, and they will. A simple idea lies at the heart of this business model: Satisfied employees serve satisfied clients. 

“We work hard to maintain a culture based on trust between employees and the company – a culture that rewards innovation, encourages employees to try new paths and does not punish them for taking chances. We care for the personal and professional development of our employees,” says Jim Goodnight, CEO and founder of SAS.

To name some examples, the Swedish company offers flexible work hours, support for working from home, a fitness plan, a company cook and restaurant, a variety of health programs and free healthcare services. Similar conditions apply in other countries, where SAS subsidiaries have received many Great Place to Work awards.

“In times of crisis it is especially important that we all work toward a common goal. Employees grow when allowed freedom within their areas of responsibility. They must be able to identify client needs, function as advisors and communicate in ways that benefit the business – not just talk technology,” says Jansson. She believes that committed employees are more likely to reach company goals and pay closer attention to client needs.

Jansson concludes, “It is critical that our employees understand how vital their input is to our success, and that they contribute to it actively. Being a great workplace involves a combination of excellent working environment plus challenging and stimulating work. That is what leads to great results.”

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