why Akelius

Akelius cares for its staff

Akelius focuses on providing a safe, inspiring, and equitable environment for all its employees to keep current and attract new employees.

As an employee at Akelius, you will get benefits that are amongst the best within the real estate industry.
Benefits include pension schemes, health care, sports, and education.

• offices in central locations with a high-quality working environment
• paid public holidays
• up to 36 months unpaid parental leave

• fruit and refreshments in the office
• compassionate leave
• health and keep-fit allowance

• monthly public transport card subsidy
• Biennial, a company event every second year
• internal industry specific education

• paid time off
• time off for helping immediate family in case of accident or illness
• internal recruitment policy

country specific benefits

work for an honorable company

Akelius’ staff turnover is low.
Sick leave is low, two percent.

We promote a healthy work environment,
where respect and fairness are paramount.

A key feature that I have always respected within Akelius is that the best idea wins.
No matter who comes up with it.
This drives the company and encourages everyone to present their ideas.

Ralf Spann, CEO

open-door policy and flat hierarchies

Akelius has an open-door policy.
Anyone may approach anyone.

No symbols of prestige or status.

make a career within Akelius

You can develop quickly and make a career within Akelius.

Akelius’ policy is to promote in-place staff to higher positions.

When there is a vacant position, Akelius tries to find a candidate internally before seeking externally.

During my years with Akelius I have hired 150 employees.
I have learned that attitude and ambition beat a résumé.
It is better to focus on a person's attitude and ambition and less on their résumé.

At Akelius we look to promote internally before we look elsewhere.
Eighty percent of Akelius’ top thirty leaders have been recruited internally.

Ralf Spann, CEO

collective bargaining and freedom of association

The company respects the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining,and aligns with internationally recognized labor standards and relevant international labor organization conventions.

The company is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact.

Sweden is the headquarters location. 
Collective bargaining agreements in the workplace is the norm in Sweden. 
Akelius employees in Sweden are covered by collective bargaining agreement.

Practices outside Sweden vary by national regulation and labor market.
For example, in France, Akelius is obliged to have union representation because of the number of employees.
All staff are covered by a convention collective, related to the job field, immobilier, or real estate for Akelius.

A small share of staff in the US and Canada are unionized.

best educated staff

All employees receive internally developed training relevant to their roles.

Relevant education ensures that the company has the best educated staff in the real estate industry.

New staff attend the onboarding program Welcome to Akelius.
The program includes online training and an in-person seminar focused on Akelius’ history, culture, values, policies, and business idea.

Education consists of a mix of internal and external education, both in person and digitally.

• processes, to ensure efficiency and best practice
• practical training, for efficient use of systems and applications
• soft skills, such as leadership and media training
• sustainability topics to incorporate sustainability in all aspect of the business

For example, US staff have online learning plans based on their role.

• fair housing operations
• lease renewals
• renters' insurance
• property management

Akelius benefits from having internally developed education,
focusing on the need of the staff and the company.

We put a lot of effort into educating our staff and I know that every time my staff attend an internal course, I know they will return better educated.

Ralf Spann, CEO

offices in good locations

Akelius owns its own office buildings in most cities.
Akelius wants to offer its clients a better living,
and its staff a better work environment.

A high-quality work environment includes spacious offices, fast internet, comfortable furniture, central locations, and art.

international career opportunities

Akelius has officies in nine metropolitan cities, 
New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Toronto, Montreal London, Paris, Stockholm, and Berlin.

The company welcomes and promotes international careers.

a diverse work force

Akelius has a very diverse workforce, which is a big contributor to Akelius’ success.
Akelius values and encourages diversity in the workplace.

Staff are trained annually in valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
The mandatory course is available online.Staff complete the course by passing a test.

Diversity is reinforced through the staff diversity and equality policy,
which underscores Akelius' commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

The policy promotes equal opportunities for all employees, prohibiting discrimination based on gender, race, age, religion, or any other characteristic.

building teams

Akelius realizes that staff need to socialize and get to know each other to build productive and satisfied teams.

the Biennial

Every second year Akelius has its companywide event - the Biennial.
The Biennial is an opportunity for all staff in Akelius to get together.

The purpose of the Biennial has been the same from the beginning.
The idea is to get all staff together, get to know and learn from each other.

Staff with various nationalities and from different backgrounds meet, network, and share experiences, 
which enforces Akelius commitment to diversity.

The Biennial is a mix of education, networking, cultural events, and sports activities.

The Biennial provides great professional training and gives us the opportunity to meet with colleagues from all over the world.

It was very enriching to meet and discuss on a personal level with people that I have only exchanged emails with,
says Sandra Blomqvist, Head of Sustainability and Communication, who has attended eight Biennials so far.

the Biennial through the years

office get-togethers

Each office has regular gatherings in the office.
At least once a month, the office offers a fika or team lunches,
an opportunity to socialize with colleagues.

Staff are also invited to annual Christmas and summer parties.

community and charity events

Akelius encourages staff in the cities where they operate to organize events with the wider local community in mind.
These events are often carried out in collaboration with local institutions.

The charitable activities aim to support the local community and at the same time bring staff together.

Many of these events are presented on the company’s LinkedIn profile.

Akelius donates to charity

Akelius’ main owner is the Akelius Foundation.
The main purpose of the Foundation is charity.

Akelius Foundation has donated EUR 125 million to UNICEF, SOS Children’s Villages, Doctors without Borders, UNHCR only since 2017.

The work done by the Akelius Foundation is something to be proud of.
I believe most of our staff are proud to contribute.

Ralf Spann, CEO

learn a language

Akelius Foundation develops digital language courses, that are freely available for anyone.

Akelius encourages staff to engage in language courses to learn a new language.