Requests for advice, decisions, and the pay model
We’re opening up recruitment in August, and I wrote this blog post with that in mind. I’ve highlighted a few key points. My goal with these posts is to get you thinking about how you would operate in a cell model without supervisors.
https://vertia.fi/itseohjautuvat-solut/
https://vertia.fi/yritys-joka-toimii-rakennusalalla-ilman-esimiehia/
Requests for advice and decisions
In a traditional organizational model, a supervisor or management makes decisions regarding company matters. Vertia has never had supervisors, so decisions are made by the staff, the CEO, or the CFO, depending on the nature of the matter and who raises the issue to be decided. As Vertia has grown, the decision-making model has evolved. We now operate under this model:
Decision-making at Vertia
Major decisions are made by seeking advice, such as, “What would you recommend in this situation?” People who are knowledgeable about the matter or who are directly affected by it can offer advice. The person asking the question makes the final decision. If it involves a major purchase, a finance representative also participates in the decision-making process. Do you dare to take responsibility for the decision? Who will take responsibility if you don’t dare, or will the decision go undone? Do you dare to offer advice? Is the decision-maker’s decision based specifically on the advice you provided? Can you give advice or make a decision objectively, with the best interests of the company and its staff in mind? Many people surely ponder these questions. Is it enough to have guidelines on how to proceed, and can a person take responsibility if they haven’t had to do so before? Requests for advice are made via the Slack channel so that everyone can see them. Decisions are also communicated via Slack.
We have recently made several decisions, such as launching new services, and the biggest financial decision was made just over a year ago when we replaced all our vehicles. Another decision concerned how pay raises will be distributed in the future.
Pay Structure
Vertia follows the Working Hours Act and has its own pay system. Every fall, interested employees can sign up for the pay committee. The committee consists of seven members who organize the annual pay review. The committee determines the budget based on the information provided.
How do you contribute to the company compared to others?
The salary review process includes a contribution table that evaluates employees in relation to themselves and the company, their job description, and their contributions, and assigns them scores. The points are converted into levels. In the last round, the levels were made public, but we are considering whether to keep them public for the next round. They are merely a guideline and a tool when considering raises, and do not directly determine salaries.
My estimate of my salary
After the evaluation, each person considers their own raise and enters it into the real-time spreadsheet. Everyone can see what others are proposing for themselves, and the new salary is recorded by the deadline. If the salary proposal is realistic, the salary committee approves it. If it is too high or too low, the salary committee invites the person to a discussion. The salary committee makes the final decision. Salaries are public within Vertia.
How did the salary negotiations go?
As with other matters that need to be decided, we sought advice on the pay model. In other words, we presented the pay model to everyone, and together we decided to give it a try. I’ve been part of the pay working group for two years, and the latest round went well, too. Although this was sometimes seen as a rather radical model and designing the pay model took time, it was worth it and we were able to raise everyone’s pay. We also learned about our strengths and areas for improvement, as written feedback was provided to those whose scores fell into a certain category.
Other benefits
Vertia also offers other benefits, which are always discussed during the recruitment process.
What do you think of all this?
All of this may seem challenging or even absurd at first glance, but in practice it has proven to be a more sensible way to run a business.
In August, we are once again looking for someone to perform moisture and airtightness tests. The person can be someone currently working in the construction industry or someone looking to change careers; the most important thing is that we find the right people.
Are you interested in working at Vertia? Check out our job openings or submit an open application.
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