Pohjantähti: a healthy journey through life

Pohjantähti is a human-sized insurance company whose knowledgeable staff come face-to-face with customers in every life situation, whether it's a car that's breathed its last on a family trip, or a suitcase that's gone missing on a holiday to the sun.

Pohjantähti has been safeguarding the daily lives of Finns for more than 125 years, and being responsible in business, in the society, and among employees is a matter of honour for the company. The company’s goal is for all employees to feel well which is why Wellbeing Superstars joined Pohjantähti's expert team on a journey towards better wellbeing at work and outside it.

These are the two key points in the development of holistic wellbeing: a journey through life is best travelled in good health, and when you’re happy at work, a sense of community grows by itself. At Pohjantähti, a lot of good things are already being done to support wellbeing at work, with a focus on capability management. Wellbeing Superstars' coaching integrates seamlessly into existing work, with a particular focus on how to get less mobile people to invest in their own wellbeing and activity.

Wellbeing Superstars’ wellbeing coaching was launched in January 2024 for the entire Pohjantähti community, with over 100 team members joining the first online session. Coach Saila Hilvola was delighted with the energetic start: “There was a great buzz in the chat right away!”

The effectiveness of wellbeing coaching is monitored at Pohjantähti through surveys, the first of which mapped physical activity habits. These will be revisited as the coaching progresses, so that the initial survey can be used as a mirror against which to reflect changed habits and to encourage team members to exercise more. Common themes are also shared at a Wellbeing Wall, available to the team at all times.

A community Wellbeing Break is organised for Pohjantähti's teams once a month in Tampere and Hämeenlinna. The Wellbeing Break is a shared moment for mobility and physical activity that strengthens the sense of community. After the live meeting, the building blocks of an active life will continue to be stacked through fun challenges.

Wellbeing Superstars’ expert coaches also join the team’s everyday life every few months with a webinar or motivational lecture to stimulate thoughts on time management, balancing everyday life, and rest and recovery.

Pohjantähti’s HR Director Kati Knopp-Nyholm is the main driver of the company's wellbeing at work programme: “In 2023, we earned the Most Active Workplace in Finland certificate for our contribution to employee mobility, and we’re of course extremely proud of this. We’re constantly striving to develop ways to make mobility and active living part of everyday life for more and more of our employees. Working with Wellbeing Superstars is a great way to build a culture where staff can remain healthy at work throughout their lives.”

When homes, cars, and loved ones are at stake, it's good to have a skilled, knowledgeable and active team looking after them. People like the insurance professionals at Pohjantähti.