People experience and communication in manufacturing companies
In cooperation with:
Imagine a company made up of 10 people. Seven of them put on workwear in the morning, not business attire.
They go to the shop floor, not the office, and work away from the intranet and the internet. They are the face of production, logistics, quality, and safety.
And yet… most HR solutions, online tools, surveys, events, and communication channels are designed with those three office employees in mind — how can we maintain the right balance in a corporate environment?
During the meeting “PEOPLE EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNICATION IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES”, we will discuss the key challenges of collaboration in organizations where around 25% of employees perform typical office work, while the vast majority — 75% — work in production, logistics, maintenance, or as subcontractor staff.
We will talk about how to address the challenges arising from the different needs of these two groups, different working systems, varying access to information, team diversity, and levels of engagement.
Experts and representatives of manufacturing companies will share practical experiences and best practices, as well as present insights from research on the labor market and the expectations of production employees.
We invite the following participants:
- HR Directors, HR Business Partners, HR Managers of production plants
- Internal Communication, PR, Corporate Communications, and Employer Branding Managers
- Plant Managers / Operations Directors interested in building organizational culture in a manufacturing environment
Agenda
09:30-10:00
Registration and welcome coffee
10:00-10:10
Official opening
10:10-10:50
People Experience – ways to connect two worlds – Essity presentation
- Aleksandra Karpińska-Góralik – Communication Manager at Essity
- Agnieszka Pawełka, HR Manager at Essity
1. Perspective – in the Essity factory, 69% of all employees are operational workers
- how we translate office-focused initiatives into solutions for blue-collar employees
- how we include people without access to online communication channels
2. Challenges and best practices in engaging 24/7 shift workers
- safety + wellbeing + CSR
3. Curveballs – real-life examples
- when it’s impossible to stisfy everyone
10:50-11:10
Investing in diversity – how manufacturing companies implement inclusivity in the workplace
Building an inclusive culture and managing diversity in a manufacturing environment requires a conscious approach and commitment from the entire organization. It involves understanding the specific nature of production work, actively engaging employees at all levels, and being ready to introduce systemic changes.
During this presentation, we will explore how manufacturing companies implement initiatives that support diversity and team integration.
11:10-11:30
What does Scandinavian culture really mean for a machine operator on the night shift?
- Agnieszka Koziara – Senior Vice President, People & HR | Fortaco Group Oy
Production workers face significant physical strain, risk of injury, and fatigue on a daily basis. In such conditions, engaging them in additional organizational or integration initiatives can be challenging — especially if these take place outside working hours.
How can we effectively build engagement among production employees?
Which forms of activities and motivation work in practice, and which fail to deliver expected results?
11:30-11:50
The manufacturing labor market – trends, challenges, and expectations of blue-collar workers
The labor market in the manufacturing sector is changing dynamically. Companies are facing labor shortages, increasing workforce diversity, and evolving expectations of blue-collar employees.
During this session, we will examine current labor market trends in manufacturing and research findings on the motivations, expectations, and attitudes of blue-collar workers. We will also consider what factors influence their engagement, loyalty, and decisions to change jobs.
11:50-12:30
Networking
Speakers
Aleksandra Karpińska-Góralik
Communications Manager at Essity
For nearly 20 years, she has supported organisation in internal and external communication, specialising in internal communication within a manufacturing environment and projects at the intersection of PR and employer branding. At Essity, she is responsible for communications advisory, strengthening employee engagement, and ensuring consistent brand communication in an international environment.
Agnieszka Pawełka
HR Manager at Essity
with over 20 years of experience in the People & Culture area, primarily within manufacturing organizations. She combines hands-on operational expertise with a strong strategic perspective, leading HR teams in international environments. Over the past nine years at Essity, she has played a key role in building organizational culture, driving employee development, and leading compensation strategy.
Agnieszka Koziara
Senior Vice President, People & HR | Fortaco Group Oy
Agnieszka Koziara is the Senior Vice President of People & HR at Fortaco Group Oy, where she leads the coordination and development of the company’s global people and HR strategy. With over 20 years of experience in human resources within the manufacturing sector, she brings deep expertise in shaping effective people strategies, driving organizational development, and supporting business transformation. A key part of her role involves leading collaboration with international trade unions, fostering constructive dialogue and strong cross border partnerships. Agnieszka holds a degree in Business Management, a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management, and an MBA from Franklin University. She has also completed the Personnel and Development (CIPD) program of the Chartered Institute. Passionate about working with people and co creating innovative solutions, Agnieszka is motivated by driving positive, sustainable change in organizations. Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two, a World War II history enthusiast, and an admirer of Albert Einstein.
The event will be held in Polish.
Participation is free of charge for representatives of SPCC member companies, but registration is required.
The event is not open to companies outside the Chamber. Members only.
Event location:
Essity Poland Sp. z o.o.
ul. Puławska 180
02-670 Warsaw
So, where exactly?
Just 180 steps from Wilanowska metro station, at the intersection of Mokotów’s key transport routes.
Our Warsaw office is a vibrant space: open, welcoming, full of light and natural materials. It’s a place where it’s easy to balance focus and collaboration — listening to others’ experiences while enjoying the energy of networking.
It’s here that we will meet on May 15 to discuss how to connect different employee worlds into one cohesive, strong organization.
