Skanska Sverige is introducing new guidelines that provide employees with financial compensation during service in Sweden's Total Defence (Totalförsvar). The decision covers both military and civil defence, including Home Guard (Hemvärnet) soldiers.
In a press release, Skanska states that employees serving within the Total Defence framework may receive a salary top-up of up to 90 percent of their regular salary for a maximum of 30 calendar days per year.
"The business community is an important part of Total Defence and Sweden's preparedness. We see it as part of our mission as a community builder to be an active part of the solution and to create conditions for our employees to contribute. At the same time, it strengthens our own expertise and long-term competitiveness," says Magnus Persson, CEO of Skanska Sverige, in the press release.
According to Skanska, the purpose is to make it easier for more employees to engage in Total Defence, while the company also sees value in the experience that service can bring back to the organisation, including in areas such as leadership and security awareness.
"By making it easier for more people to contribute to Total Defence, we strengthen both our collective preparedness and our employees' opportunities for compensation," says Jonas Andé, HR and Communications Director at Skanska Sverige.