Our People

Our People

Our Social Pledge
People at Samskip
Occupational Health & Safety
Employee Growth & Work Life Balance
Continued Learning: Our Fuel for Success
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Fostering Employee Engagement
Our People Spotlight
Our Community
Big or Small, Every Initiative Counts
Our Work With Charities

Our people are at the heart and soul of our operations. They are the ones pushing boundaries and blazing through new trails of innovation. Without their hard work and dedication, we simply would not be able to provide the level of customer-service excellence and success that we currently do and strive to maintain. We believe in giving back to our team by ensuring we provide them with the best possible work environment. 

But it is not just about our internal team: we know that true success comes from working with our wider community. We are committed to leading the way in sustainable practices within our industry and we are always looking for  individuals and organisations with similar values and vision to join us on this journey. Sure, it is not always easy, but with a shared goal and a united effort, we can make a real difference!

Our Social Pledge

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, our business faced some rough waters. But through the challenges, we proved that out sense of solidarity, unity, and direction could not be broken. As we reflect on this period, we are excited to highlight some of the positive changes that emerged. Our hybrid work policy and the provision of home office equipment are just a few examples, but what truly stands out in the bond we formed as colleagues, friends, and a community. 

As we emerge from the storm, our commitment to each other and social pledge ring truer than ever: together we make things happen. Together we have accomplished so much, and together we will continue to learn and grow. Not just as a Samskip team, but in partnership with our customers, suppliers, partners, and wider community. The future looks bright, and we are eager to continue forging ahead with all of you by our side. 

A new office space for the team in Ipswich, UK

People at Samskip

Samskip’s people-oriented approach emphasises:  

  • Actively ensuring and prioritising the health and safety of our employees.

  • Fostering an environment in which our people are empowered to perform their best.

  • Providing access to learning and growth opportunities as to continuously improve our employee’s skills and our organisation as a whole. 

  • Upholding the protecting respect for our employees and communities’ rights, as well as embracing diversity and inclusion. 

Let us look at what each of these points means in action.

Occupational Health & Safety

No matter where they work – land, sea, rail, or air – the health and safety of our employees is our top priority. We understand that the transport industry can be filled with hazards, as highlighted by many alarming statistics. For instance, the 2022 European Maritime Safety Report revealed an estimated average of 3,200 accidents occurring annually on board ships in the past five years. Similarly, the 2022 Report on Railway Safety and Interoperability in the EU reported a concerning 1331 significant accidents in 2020. 

Throughout 2022 Samskip reported the following: 

All Employees
The number and rate of fatalities as a result of work-related injury 0
The number and rate of high-consequence work-related injuries (excluding fatalities) 3
The number and rate of recordable work-related injuries 19
The main type of work-related injury Slips and falls

During the pandemic, we made significant changes to our day-to-day operations to ensure the safety of our employees. We implemented social distancing measures, adjusted work schedules, and followed other guidelines to protect our team. But our commitment to health and safety did not end when things started returning to normal.

We believe in being proactive in identifying and minimising any health and safety risks that our employees or work environment might have.
  • We conduct regular safety checks on equipment and resources, making improvements, changes, conducting maintenance and inspections as needed.
  • We provide our employees with the appropriate safety equipment and resources necessary; this includes adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for specific job roles.
  • Our employees undergo mandatory health check-ups on a regular basis, and we promote a culture of safety awareness by encouraging the reporting of any safety concerns.
  • We provide comprehensive training to all our employees to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge they need to navigate the dangerous of their role effectively, including fire prevention and evacuation process in case of emergency.

At Samskip, the health and safety of our employees is an ongoing commitment. Our safety practices as outlined by our Company Safety Management System (SMS) are extensively covered in the Safety in the Workplace section of our Corporate Employee Handbook, which all our employees have access to. Here, we emphasise that no job is so important that it cannot be done safely. We do not condone taking shortcuts and will always remain dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our workforce in all aspects of our operations. 

Employee Growth & Work Life Balance

At the heart of all our people-related processes is achieving a healthy work life balance. Our Human Resources team goes the extra mile to make sure our people not only have everything they need to succeed, but also to thrive personally and professionally. Ensuring the physical safety of our employees is just the beginning: we do not only comply with all relevant local and international labour laws and regulations, but we also work hard to create the best and most comfortable working environment possible. Some of the programs and initiatives aimed at achieving this goal include: 

Fair compensation policy

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The World Health Organisation has found inadequate pay and a lack of career development a main risk to mental health at work. Feeling undervalued and underpaid can lead to people feeling disheartened and unmotivated in their work and in themselves. To prevent this, we have embedded a compensation philosophy into our Corporate Employee Handbook that ensures our team is paid fairly and competitively for their hard work. After all, our people are our strength, not an expense. 

Health and fitness benefits

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We know that supporting our employee’s physical health is a key part of maintaining the overall well-being a job satisfaction. We offer a wide range of health and fitness benefits to help everyone stay on top of their game. 

For start, we have state-of-the-art gyms in our larger international offices where everyone is encouraged to stay healthy. And for those who prefer group fitness, we offer yoga classes, fitness bootcamps, and more - there is truly something for everyone! 

But we know balanced and rounded health is not just about exercise, we also want to make sure out team has access to healthy yet delicious food options. Our office canteens cater to all sorts of dietary restrictions and preferences, so everyone can find something tasty and nourishing to enjoy. Whether you are a fitness fanatic or a food lover, Samskip has got you covered. 

Mental health support

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Mental health issues actually account for a significant portion of sickness and disability cases in companies. According to estimates from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), between one-third and one-half of all caseloads are related to mental health problems. 

While we may not be able to support all aspect of our employees' lives, we understand the importance of supporting our employees' mental well-being, especially in the workplace. 

We have implemented a range of mental health initiatives and benefits to help our employees lead work-stress-free lives. From stress management programmes to mental health awareness training, we offer a variety of well-being assistance programmes to support our staff.

We offer these programmes in various settings to accommodate everyone. Whether you prefer online learning through our Samskip Academy or in-person events, we have options available to suit everyone’s needs. We want our employees to feel comfortable participating and have access to the resources necessary to prioritise their mental health.

Our employees in Cluj-Napoca get spooky during their Halloween party
Our employees in Cluj-Napoca get spooky during their Halloween party
Our employees in Cluj-Napoca get spooky during their Halloween party
Our employees in Cluj-Napoca get spooky during their Halloween party

Continued Learning: Our Fuel for Success

We know that to meet the challenges of today and be prepared for the challenges of the future, we must attract, retain, and develop talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. It is a priority for us to re-invest in our employee’s growth and development, not only to encourage internal progression but to fuel our collective ability to thrive and success in a constantly evolving landscape. Continued learning is achieved through: 

Learning & development

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The fuel of learning ignites our passion to drive sustainability forward, and we offer a diverse range of engaging and relevant training opportunities to help our team members upskill, enhance their expertise, and make a meaningful impact. Our trainings go beyond generic topics and are tailored to meet the specific needs of our employees. They cover a wide range of areas, from proper handling of dangerous goods to conflict and time management, and leadership skills. Whether it is face-to-face sessions for that personal touch, hybrid options for a flexible blend, or fully virtual trainings through our Samskip Academy online learning management system, we make sure our employees can participate and thrive, no matter their location or schedule. This way, we equip our team members with the tools they need to excel in their roles. 

Career management & performance reviews

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We understand that our employees are not just workers, but individuals with unique aspirations and ambitions. By actively engaging in career management and performance reviews, we can collaborate to identify areas of growth and work collaboratively towards achieving both individual and organisational goals. Performance reviews are not just a formality, but vital moments for giving and receiving feedback, discussing work satisfaction, career goals, and learning and development opportunities. It is not about checking boxes: we believe that open and transparent communication with management is crucial in supporting our employees to reach their targets. With this in mind, we can learn together to grow together. 

Management traineeship programme

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Our future belongs to the next generations. We do not only focus on the growth and development of our current employees, but we also seek to attract and invest these young and dynamic minds up-and-coming minds. Our Management Traineeship Programme – a thrilling adventure designed for eager and promising graduates from top universities – provides the opportunity to learn by doing, gain on-the-job skills, and be positively challenged in our organisation. Trainees can try their hand at different roles and scenarios, giving them a taste of the diverse opportunities Samskip has to offer. To top it off, they have personal mentors who become trusted guides as they navigate their career path and growth with us. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The people at Samskip are as diverse as the seas and lands we travel. We cherish the unique backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives that our team members bring. It is this beautiful blend of viewpoints, ideas, and tactics that has made Samskip a true global powerhouse. We are committed to safeguarding, embracing, and nurturing these differences, knowing that they only serve to strengthen our organisation and community. By valuing diversity and inclusion, we are not only making Samskip a better place to work, but also contributing to the creation of a more equitable world for future generations. Internally, one crucial step we are taking is working towards achieving parity in various diversity categories our organisational operations. 

The Samskip team at the Transport Logistics fair in Munich, Germany

There is still a long way to go, but together, we are building a brighter and more sustainable future, one that is inclusive and upholds human rights and the richness of human diversity. 

Some steps taken to achieve this include: 

Recruitment and Equal Opportunity 

In line with our commitment to fairness and equality, we strive to maintain equal opportunity practices in all aspects of our talent management. This includes personnel management, promotion, wages, training opportunities, and of course, recruitment. As an equal opportunity employer, gender identity, race or ethnic origins, religion or belief, age, and sexual orientation all do not influence our decision when evaluating candidates for any role across all levels.

Total
Female 41%
Male 59%

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment 

Every single person deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. We take inclusivity, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment very seriously at Samskip, with specific actions and procedures dedicated to protecting our employees from inappropriate conduct. 

We have a Whistleblowing Procedure in place across all our operations, such that individuals can speak up and report any instances of discriminatory or harassing behaviour. 

Samskip knows that reports coming from whistle blowers are dealt with appropriately, and with the utmost care.

The total number of incidents of discrimination reported in the year 2022 is 0. We remain acutely aware that this number may not reflect reality. It may extend from poor communication regarding the policy or from Samskip employees not being comfortable using it. We remain conscious of these potential issues, particularly the latter, so we seek to ensure every single individual at Samskip knows that reports coming from whistle-blowers are dealt appropriately, with utmost care. Our human resources department conducts full investigations that, when deemed necessary, can end in disciplinary action for parties involved. For those in our Iceland operations, we have also set up an anti-bullying committee that can provides extra support and resources for anyone who needs it and remains wary of reporting.

Fostering Employee Engagement

At Samskip, we believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration. We know that when we work together, we win together. We place a strong emphasis on fostering employee engagement to create a positive and impactful work culture. We strive to empower our people and communities, as we recognise that our social work has a direct influence on creating positive change. We are committed to ensuring that our activities and approaches promote an environment where our employees feel valued, heard, and appreciated. We know we are not perfect, so this includes actively encouraging open feedback and taking actions to improve workplace relationships. Throughout the last year we specifically focused on:

Quarterly Satisfaction Survey 

Understanding that the nature of the relationship between Samskip and its employees is crucial to improving our people-oriented approach. We rely on an essential tool for this- satisfaction surveys. These surveys are conducted on a quarterly basis across our entire organisation, giving us the opportunity to hear the valuable thoughts, voices, and feedback of our employees. We understand that we may not get everything right the first time, but with the insights gained from these surveys, we can identify areas that require attention. 

We received an overall 7.2/10 level of Engagement from our workforce, a small yet significant 0.1 increase from last year’s results. Based on the 2022 Survey, it is clear that Samskip has strengths in the commitment and relationships between co-workers as well as to the work itself. This level of dedication to each other and our missions is essential for a company that relies on effective teamwork and cooperation to deliver exceptional service to customers.

Distribution
0–2
3–4
5–6
7–8
9–10
Commitment

I often volunteer to do things that are not necessarily a part of my job.

Relationship with peers

I trust my colleagues and the people on my team

Communication

I feel comfortable giving feedback to my manager

Relationship with peers

My colleagues commit fully to doing a great job

Commitment

I put a lot of effort into doing a good job

The survey also indicates that there is room for improvement in the areas of employee wellness and overall work environment. We are taking these results to take improvement actions, and make informed decisions that support the expansion of learning and development within Samskip, communication amongst peers, and mental and physical wellness. 

Distribution
0–2
3–4
5–6
7–8
9–10
Wellness

The organisation cares about my physical and mental wellbeing

Relationship with peers

I learn a lot from my coworkers

Environment

I can get the training and knowledge I need to perform well in my role

Communication

At my workplace, everyone works together as one

Environment

The organisation provides me with all the tools and materials I need to do my job

We believe that by understanding the nature of the relationship between Samskip and our employees, we can better support our people, our sustainability mission, and ultimately, our customer's satisfaction.

Our People Spotlight

"I am proud to work for Samskip, I've been enjoying my time here for over 7 years now! And I think we offer a great product. There are some great challenges ahead, but for the last couple of years I can really feel that Samskip is on top of it, investing in the future by focusing on sustainability and better service."
– Jasper Schoonewelle - Transport Coordinator Automotive

Our Community

Samskip’s community-oriented approach emphasises:

  • Walking our talk by fostering a sustainable culture that emphasises an ethical business culture, environmental stewardship, and employee engagement.
  • Enriching the communities close to us by working with charities and foundation that allow us to give back.

"Running" towards a more sustainable future!

Every day in our field is like diving into a sea of challenges, but the Samskip team is always ready to push our limits. In 2022, we invited our global employees to participate in the Rotterdam Marathon, a test of physical strength and endurance that is embraced with enthusiasm by our team. We do not only want to encourage healthy living in our team, but the shared challenge and the sense of accomplishment as we cross the finish line is a sense of accomplishment like no other. 

With their unyielding determination and unshakable resolve, the Samskip team once again proved that when it comes to winning, we always do it together! 

Our Samskip team participated in the Rotterdam Harbour Run. We had the chance to enjoy good weather, great people, and an amazing team spirit!

Big or Small, Every Initiative Counts

Plastic Reduction

Great news from our Iceland location:  We have ditched plastic cups and single-use plastics in favour of more eco-friendly options. Our employees are now rocking their very own Samskip reusable water bottles, and when disposable cups are needed, we are opting for easily recyclable cups and other sustainable alternatives. We are committed to doing our part in protecting our planet, one sip at a time!

Paper Reduction

We are also excited to have ditched old-school paper waybills and continuously promote our "think before you print" initiative, cutting down on unnecessary paper usage instead of cutting down more trees. Our eager employees have been a key part of these initiatives, stoked to do their part to protect the planet and make our workplace more sustainable. 

Our Work With Charities

At our international multimodal transport solutions company, we believe in more than just moving cargo sustainably. We see ourselves as fortunate to be in a position where we can make a positive impact on the communities around us. That is why we offer our employees the opportunity to take time off work and volunteer at a charity of their choice and we are always supportive and encouraged to see our team members go out and help those in need.

Community building is a core value for us across all our locations. In Iceland, for example, many of our employees come together to volunteer at a local shelter every year. This shelter provides a safe space for women and children who are at risk of domestic violence. Last year, our team members volunteered to cook a special New Year's meal to take to the shelter, spreading warmth and cheer during the holiday season. During Christmas and Easter time, our employees also joined forces to cook meals and create handmade gifts for the children living at the shelter, with the hope of bringing some extra joy into their lives.

We believe that leaving our natural and societal environments in a better state than when we found them is not just a responsibility, but a privilege. Through our volunteering efforts, we aim to connect with and improve the communities around us, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. We are proud of our employees who give back to the community and are committed to continuing our efforts to positively impact the world around us.

Our Planet
Our Responsible Business
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