Uwira has long championed workplace diversity, and its workforce currently comprises 16 different nationalities. With employees hailing from dozens of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, special attention must be paid to areas such as onboarding processes and the equitable treatment of staff. We spoke with Sujith Vasudevan and Joel Vicentillo—welders who have been working at Uwira for a few months—to hear how they have settled into life in Finland and at the company.
Sujith Vasudevan (from India) and Joel Vicentillo (from the Philippines) have both lived abroad for several years. They have each lived in Finland for about two years, with the last few months spent in Vaasa working at Uwira.
“Vaasa is a really nice city; the atmosphere here is more pleasant than in Helsinki, for example. Finland is a wonderful country overall. I’d especially highlight the safety—you can move around alone even at night, and children can cycle to school… we’ve been really happy here. It is cold, of course, but we’ve lived in Europe before, so that’s not a problem,” says Sujith, who now lives in Finland with his wife and two children.
“Finland is our future. I’m glad I was able to bring my wife here, too. Finland is an especially good country for family life,” Joel adds.
Support from colleagues, workplace safety, and high-quality tools facilitate the onboarding process
Both men describe their first few months at Uwira as a success. Uwira has managed the onboarding process well, and the work offers a balance of necessary support and autonomy.
“The people at Uwira are friendly. If there’s something you don’t know or can’t do, help is always available. Everyone has been incredibly helpful, and I’m constantly learning a great deal. At the same time, the workplace atmosphere isn’t stressful—we have room to learn and grow without excessive pressure,” says Sujith.
Both men also highlight Uwira’s tools, machinery, and commitment to workplace safety. According to them, safety always comes first at the factory: the necessary tools are close at hand, the machinery is safe and high-quality, and safety protocols are strictly followed.
“We are provided with all the necessary supplies and equipment. Safety is the top priority at Uwira, and they invest more in it here than elsewhere.”
According to Joel, Finnish companies make for excellent employers.
“There are reasonable working hours, holidays, and pension benefits… beyond safety and the friendliness of the people, there are many tangible benefits. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in Finland,” says Joel appreciatively.
A friendly and positive atmosphere, extending to management
One of the key things Sujith and Joel have noticed during their first few months is the positive atmosphere at Uwira. “When you arrive at work in the morning, everyone greets you and says good morning. It feels really good. That positive atmosphere and friendliness extend beyond just colleagues to the CEO and company management as well. I believe I’ll enjoy working at Uwira for a long time. You feel welcome here, regardless of your nationality,” says Sujith appreciatively.
“I would definitely recommend Uwira as a place to work, and I’ve already told a couple of friends about the company. I’m happy to be part of this team and grateful to Uwira for this opportunity,” concludes Joel.