Multicultural Done Logistics 

Export projects account for 70–85 percent of Done Logistics Oy’s net sales. Although this figure varies somewhat year on year, an increasing number of customers come from outside Finland, with North America and India representing the most recent export markets.

Doing business in new market areas requires a company to pay attention to local customs and culture. Rules of conduct that serve their purpose in one country do not necessarily do so elsewhere. Not so long ago, Done Logistics was involved in an international project, with participants representing more than ten nationalities. This kind of project requires project team members to be flexible and show respect for others; and the diversity of participants lends particular benefit and flavor to project work.

Working in a multicultural environment is not only confined to customer projects at Done Logistics. For years, its Logistics Software unit has had employees on its payroll representing different nationalities. The company runs a software design unit, Fidaware SRL, in Bacau, Romania. The section below describes a few of our foreign colleagues’ thoughts and views with regard to Finland and working for a Finnish company.

Cozma Hrincescu has been working for Fidaware SRL in Romania for six years. Currently on an assignment in Finland, he is involved in a warehouse management project. Cozma has a wide range of skills e.g. in Progress and Java technologies. “In light of my career and skills, this assignment is interesting because I have the opportunity to learn new things and witness various implementation methods. At the same time, I can get to know my Finnish colleagues and bolster our cooperation in this way.” This is not Cozma’s first assignment in Finland. “On my previous assignment it was summer, so the weather was something different from a fall of wet snow,” laughs Cozma. 

Vladimir Eremenkov moved from Russia to Finland with his family in 1999 when he started working for Done Logistics. He has been involved in a number of demanding warehouse control system deliveries, first as a software designer and later as a systems architect. “When I arrived in Finland, I was looking for new job opportunities in quest of a more stable future for my family. Based on my six years’ experience here, I think I’ve made the right decision. In geographical terms, Finland’s location is excellent because it is easy to travel to St. Petersburg to meet my parents. The best thing about my work is that it is diverse and challenging. Rather than standing still, you must always be ready to learn new things, which is good,” explains Vladimir. “However, one downside worth mentioning is that my 8-year old son has gone native to the extent that he supports the Finnish national ice hockey team, which occasionally gives rise to some discussions at home.” 

Willem van de Lagemaat is a team member of the Software unit’s internal development project. Coming from Leeuwarden, the northern Netherlands, Willem met his Finnish girlfriend two years ago in the Netherlands. Following his graduation from Noordelijke Hogeschool Leeuwarden, he moved in with his girlfriend in Seinäjoki and soon joined Done’s payroll. Willem has previous experience of Finland in terms of a vacation and a short spell of work. He particularly likes Finnish nature and wildlife. “Given that all trees are planted ones in the Netherlands, the Finnish forest is really awesome.” Willem thinks highly of a workplace representing different nationalities. “No one feels like an outsider because we all have a lot of things to learn from one another. It is very balanced situation, which enhances team spirit.”