IPC takes opinion poll among its Polish employees
Over the past several months, IPC has carried out surveys of its Polish employees’ attitude toward the Company, their work, and their accommodation. This is likely the first time that an Icelandic company has conducted a formal survey among foreign workers, and it is safe to say that it is a watershed in terms of concern for foreign employees’ well-being while in Iceland. The primary reason for the survey was the Company’s desire to improve its foreign employees’ work environment and to discover whether specific improvements should be made. At present more than 150 Polish tradesmen and labourers work for the Company. They are all hired directly by IPC and not through temporary employment agencies, as is common practise in Iceland.
Instead of conducting a conventional questionnaire, it was decided to form review groups so as to obtain a better view of employees’ attitudes. The survey was carried out by the consulting firm Intellecta and was administered by an impartial professional who speaks Polish. In order to obtain the clearest and broadest view, three groups were formed, two groups of carpenters and steelworkers, and one group of foremen.
The Polish workers expressed their satisfaction with IPC’s technological innovations, its ambitious projects, and its generally positive atmosphere. They were also happy with their accommodation, both at work and in their lodgings here in Iceland. The Company has strongly emphasised providing its workers with good living arrangements. The foreign employees live in spacious bedrooms with private kitchen facilities, and they have access to a fitness centre and Internet-connected computers, among other things.
As could be expected, there were also several things that the Poles criticised. For example, they found the food too “Icelandic,” as they put it; that is, there was too much fish and lamb. The Company has already responded to these comments and has modified the menu to suit their preferences.
The results that have been presented to IPC’s Polish employees were very positive and revealed that, in general, the Poles are happy to work for the Company. They are proud of the Company and consider its reputation excellent. The assigned the Company an overall score of 8 on a scale of 10. The Company’s executives are pleased with the results of the survey and will continue to work toward improving the conditions and accommodation of its foreign employees.
