A place where soft values matter

Kristin Elebring is the Head of HR at Elektromontage in Söderköping. Over the past year, she has worked part-time at the company, yet her efforts have made a clear and profound impact by bringing people-focused perspectives into a traditionally product- and process-oriented environment.

Since joining Elektromontage, Kristin has initiated comprehensive efforts in team development, leadership training, and establishing ground rules for collaboration. She began with the team leaders, who received continuous training and coaching over a six-month period.

“We realised we can not place people in leadership roles without providing the right tools. Just because someone is a skilled technician does not automatically mean they are a good leader. It takes more than that,” says Kristin Elebring.

Her work has since expanded to include the entire organisation. All teams have participated in communication exercises, feedback training, and workshops on building strong and cohesive groups.

Everyone has a voice
The culture at Elektromontage is defined by closeness, unity, and flat hierarchies. Everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas from their own perspective and to make their voice heard. And this is more than just words – it is something you truly experience.

“There is no ‘us and them’ between white-collar and blue-collar staff. We eat together, we sit together. There is no status tied to your role,” says Kristin Elebring.

Kristin especially highlights the strength of the company’s continuous improvement efforts. Each employee is allocated one hour per week to identify and suggest improvements. They can test new solutions that benefit their own work or that of their colleagues. There are no limits to how much creativity is encouraged.

“It is quite unique that the people on the shop floor also get to influence how things are done. It fosters a sense of engagement in every employee, for the benefit of all,” says Kristin Elebring.

A workplace for those who want to own their role
Kristin describes Elektromontage as the ideal workplace for individuals who want to make a difference – people who value a fast pace, clarity, and short decision-making paths.

“You need to be prepared for things to happen. The tempo is high, but so is the level of freedom. You have a voice here, if you choose to use it,” says Kristin Elebring.

She also emphasises the importance of hiring people who align with the company culture – engaged and responsible individuals. She welcomes more women into the organisation, noting that the industry is still largely male-dominated.

HR is about both heart and backbone
Kristin has a solid background, with 16 years of experience in HR across both municipal and private sectors. Today, she runs her own consultancy, working with several clients, including Elektromontage.

“I am a people person. I love meeting, seeing, and supporting people in their careers and lives. But it is not just about having a cosy time together. One moment you are arranging a coffee break, the next you are managing a conflict. You need to be both warm and firm in my role,” she says.

Kristin is especially passionate about development, and particularly leadership development. But when asked about her dream project, her response is both immediate and grounded:

“That everyone arrives at work feeling seen, needed, and proud. That is when we perform at our best.”

Would you like to join Kristin at a workplace where you can influence and improve your own and your colleagues’ everyday work? Visit our careers page or get in touch. We would love to tell you more.