How Kuusakoski built a dynamic quality management system with employee engagement

Kuusakoski Sverige AB is a leading company in the recycling industry, specializing in the handling of scrap metal and electronics. With a long history of sustainability and innovation, the company continuously strives to streamline its processes and maintain the highest possible standards of quality and environmental responsibility.

To strengthen its quality management efforts, Kuusakoski implemented its management system in AM System, which they internally call "The Compass" ("Kompassen" in Swedish). Kristina Runsten, QEHS Manager at Kuusakoski Sverige, shares how they successfully created engagement and internal participation in the system.

From static document Repository to dynamic tool

Many companies struggle to make their management systems more than just a collection of documents. Kuusakoski’s challenge was to transform its system into a living and active tool that employees use daily—not just during audits or internal inspections.

Photo: Sune Grabbe

Kristina and her team quickly realized that the key to success was meaningful employee involvement. They aimed to create a sense of ownership to ensure the system was not just a set of rules but something that truly facilitated daily work.

"A quality management system is only valuable if it is used. That’s why we wanted to make "The Compass" an intuitive and engaging part of everyday work, rather than something that only gets attention during audits."

A creative launch that set the tone

To generate interest and foster participation before the system was even launched, Kuusakoski organized a naming contest. Employees could submit suggestions and vote for the name that best represented the system’s function. The winning name, "Kompassen," symbolizes the system’s guiding role in the organization.

This simple yet effective approach immediately demonstrated that the system was something the entire organization could influence, laying the foundation for long-term engagement.This 

Photo: Sune Grabbe

- By allowing employees to name our management system, it became something they could take ownership of. ‘Kompassen’ became more than just a name—it became a symbol of how we navigate our quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety work

says Kristina Runsten.

Training to create understanding and participation

One of the biggest challenges in implementing a management system is the lack of understanding regarding its purpose and functions. Kuusakoski addressed this by developing hands-on training workshops where employees actively worked in Kompassen.

• On-site workshops were conducted at different company locations, where employees completed tasks directly in AM System.

• Digital introductions complemented physical workshops, ensuring that all employees had a basic understanding of the system.

• Customized training per job role and location ensured that each function was presented in a relevant way.

By allowing employees to search for and navigate the system themselves, Kuusakoski saw a significant increase in system usage.

- To ensure employees understood and used Kompassen, we designed training sessions where they could practice finding and utilizing information. This helped them experience firsthand how easy it is to access what they need, explains Kristina Runsten.

Clear and open communication

To keep employees informed about updates and changes in the management system, Kuusakoski developed several communication channels to promote transparency and dialogue:

• Webinars for new features allow employees to quickly get up to speed and ask real-time questions.

• Monthly meetings with Kompassen as a standing agenda item ensure continuous dialogue and improvement.

• A feedback & support button on Kompassen’s homepage enables employees to report issues, submit suggestions, or ask questions. Every inquiry receives a personal response, reinforcing trust in the system.

"Transparency and clear communication are key. With webinars, monthly meetings, and a feedback button, we’ve created a culture where everyone can contribute to and improve the system."

Engaging activities to keep the system alive

To ensure that Kompassen in AM System remains an integral part of operations rather than just a tool for training and audits, Kuusakoski has implemented several recurring activities:

• Christmas calendar in the management system: every day a new employee, function or competition question was presented with the opportunity to win prizes.
• Sustainability and processes quiz: Employees learned how the company’s processes contribute to a sustainable future. For every completed quiz, Kuusakoski donated funds to a charity focused on protecting the Baltic Sea.
• Regular competitions: Through fun and interactive challenges, employees deepen their knowledge while building a positive relationship with the system.

- A management system should not be a static document repository. By incorporating engaging activities like quizzes and competitions, we’ve created an environment where Kompassen remains vibrant, interesting, and relevant. With each new competition or quiz, we create a temporary homepage banner to ensure visibility and spark curiosity, says Kristina Runsten.

Kuusakoski's management system is a true role model

The result of Kuusakoski’s efforts in AM System is a management system that goes far beyond being an archive—it has become a true support tool in everyday work. Employees actively use Kompassen and view it as a resource for both efficiency and engagement.

- By involving our employees from the start and continuously offering interactive and fun activities, we have transformed Kompassen into more than just a system—it is now a natural part of our daily work,  concludes Kristina Runsten.

Kuusakoski’s journey demonstrates how engagement and participation can turn a management system from a passive resource into a dynamic part of the business. Through creative methods in training, communication, and engagement, they have set an example for other companies looking to make their management systems a true success factor.