Estonia is a small society, there are 1.4 million of us and half of us are working and half are growing up or have reached a well-deserved retirement age. We do all this happily, taking care of and supporting our loved ones, friends and each other – sounds pretty good!
However, life is much more colorful and often has dark shades – did you know that 41% of women and 33% of men in Estonia have experienced abuse in a close relationship at least once in their lives? The media often portrays the topic of domestic abuse as concerning a narrow segment of society and rather cases of physical violence. Unfortunately, domestic abuse has several forms (mental, physical, sexual, economic, cyber/digital), it occurs largely hidden and does not “ask” about gender, age or health status.
Since this is a wide-ranging problem in many ways and despite the fact that most cases of domestic abuse are outside the workplace, in one way or another it negatively affects the work itself and the work environment of the entire company. Obviously, a mentally (or physically) traumatized person is not able to work with the same dedication and joy as they would in a normal situation.
Greater awareness helps to notice and support.
Our company’s vision is Easy Life – an easy and balanced life for all parties. From the employee’s point of view, work-life balance, a clear understanding of their contribution and support for everyday life are important. The company’s management is committed to ensuring that employees feel safe and secure, that they have a good working environment and an organizational culture that supports development.
In recent years, we have focused on both domestic abuse and mental health issues at SOL and trained unit managers and specialists. How to notice details or situations in your work and communication that indicate a possible need for support or what to do and react to in such cases. It must be admitted that this – NOTICING – side is very difficult, because people have such different behaviors and openness.
For almost a year now, SOL Baltics have been a beacon member of the President Kaljulaid Foundation and the Estonian Employers’ Initiative ”Employers Against Domestic Abuse”, and we are contributing in cooperation with other companies to ensure that awareness and prevention of domestic abuse continue to be important in companies.
This has been a great opportunity and a journey to grow even more open as an organization, to be more noticeable and supportive as people and colleagues, by raising employee awareness and sharing valuable experiences.
We notice and care about each other!
Priit Sipelgas
SOL Estonia Country Manager