Slaughterhouse worker Tuija Virtanen has varied days at HKScan's Forssa unit. Colleagues and different tasks have helped Tuija to enjoy her work at HKScan already since 1995.
Using three words, how would you describe HKScan as an employer.
I’d say that HKScan is an equal, supportive and reliable employer.
What is it that you do at HKScan?
My job description is quite wide and it’s great to have the opportunity to do different things. For example, my duties on the morning shift this week include checking the cleanliness of the premises and stamping freight. The later shift includes fillet cutting and final inspections, for example.
What do you like most or what is the best thing about your job?
Definitely the variety of the job. In addition to my normal tasks, I also work as a job instructor; it’s great to bring new people into our work community and offer them job instruction. We have a wonderful working atmosphere! Working with people is also a learning experience.
What do you like most or what is the best thing about your job?
Definitely the variety of the job. In addition to my normal tasks, I also work as a job instructor; it’s great to bring new people into our work community and offer them job instruction. We have a wonderful working atmosphere! Working with people is also a learning experience.
What does your job require?
My work requires accuracy, attention to detail and high quality; consistency is important.
What makes a good colleague?
I think a good colleague is supportive, reliable and helpful. A good colleague also takes everyone as a person into account, whatever their background.
Why do you like it at HKScan? And what makes you excited at work?
I’m inspired by my wonderful colleagues and we keep in touch also outside of work. In addition, I have enjoyed working at HKScan because of the variety of tasks.
What are your working days like?
It depends on the week and on the shift. The work usually includes sampling, checking the premises, carcas stamping, maintenance tasks and product handling. The days are never the same.
How is responsibility reflected in your work?
In a nutshell, responsibility in my work shows as caring, respect for the environment and the quality of the output. And in the induction process, responsibility means looking after the new employee and asking them also later how they are doing. Paying attention to mental aspects is really important.
What’s your favourite food?
I’m a versatile eater, I like fish and chicken, but a good, medium-rare beef steak always works.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I play badminton, also with my work team. With my family, we travel a lot and at home, we play ball games and are actively involved in our daughter's horse riding. Meeting friends and motorcycling are also part of my leisure activities. I’ve just become a grandmother so I also spend time with my grandson.
Could you briefly tell us about your career/training background?
I went to vocational school for dressmaking, because I wanted to learn how to make clothes for myself. I worked in the dressmaking industry for a while. I joined HKScan in 1995 and started in the consumer packing department where I worked for a few years. Then I was in the organ packing department and around 1999, I started in the slaughterhouse.