A Nordic Career at Coor

An international career at Coor

Coor’s HR organization is undergoing a major transformation as operations shift from country specific to Nordic. One of the contributors to this change is Michaela Ståhlberg, Manager HR Operations, who develops processes and systems and ensures, together with her team, that managers receive high quality and smooth HR support throughout the transition.

Michaela joined Coor in Finland around eight years ago for a three-month assignment as a temporary HR Coordinator. “Coor was my first job in the field after my studies and parental leave, and I’ve stayed ever since,” she recalls.

A culture that embraces development

Over the past eight years, she has grown tremendously in her role. Coor’s development-oriented culture has provided an environment where Michaela, who loves improving processes, has been able to make full use of her strengths. Her Nordic role has also given her a completely new perspective:

“My work in an international role has opened my eyes to see things from a broader perspective, and not just from a Finnish point of view.”

Michaela’s team includes employees from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The different work cultures across the Nordics are part of everyday life and require sensitivity. “As a Finn, I’m used to being very direct, and I need to remember to soften my communication when working with others.”

"Major changes can only succeed through collaboration. When everyone feels heard, the outcome is always better."

Much of Michaela’s workday consists of meetings with her team members and various development groups. Almost every other week she travels, usually to Sweden, but sometimes also to Norway or Denmark. The role requires strong language skills and the ability to understand how changes affect both the big picture and the details.

“It’s also important to be able to listen and connect with people. Major changes can only succeed through collaboration. When everyone feels heard, the outcome is always better.”

A demanding and fascinating industry

Michaela’s career hasn’t followed a strict plan; instead, she has embraced challenges as they’ve come. She feels that Coor has always trusted her, and with that trust responsibility, freedom, and the opportunity to grow have come.

She ended up in the industry by chance. “I found my way into the facility management sector a little over eight years ago. What fascinates me about the industry is its cyclical nature. From an HR perspective, it’s demanding since employees may stay with us only for a short time, and we also employ many immigrants. That’s why it’s especially important that our processes are solid and that we act responsibly.”

To balance her work, Michaela seeks calm and recovery. Yoga is part of almost every morning, and walking in nature helps her clear her mind. But her greatest source of inspiration is at home: “Outside of work, I’m inspired by my children, who are 11, 14, and 16.”