Since the company was founded in 2021, new employees have been invited to join Nature Quests in groups of around 20, where they will spend three days walking, reflecting, and getting to know their colleagues. An additional aim is to get more deeply connected to the company’s purpose and values. To enhance the experience and to forge stronger connections with colleagues and nature, participants are asked to part with a most-valued possession – their mobile phone.   

“Being in nature without distractions allows us to get to know each other and creates the trust needed to solve complex problems. Since we are using the power of nature to decarbonize dirty industries, it feels very natural to spend time in nature together,” says Charley Tesch, senior communications manager. 

Destination unknown 

CEO Henrik Henriksson initiated Nature Quests as an exercise aimed at aligning company values with those of its employees. Henrik has been part of every Nature Quest, taking the role of a sherpa and sharing his journey in an open and engaging way. So far, the trips have been held in diverse locations, including in the Luleå archipelago, on the island of Gotland, in the Stockholm archipelago and in southern Skåne County.

Prior to departure, the group doesn’t know where they are headed, and are instructed to pack belongings that will be suitable for the surprise destination. “We’re not asking them to bring heavy-duty outdoor clothing. A pair of sturdy sneakers will do, and a rain jacket will come in handy,” says Lotta Hammarström, Senior People Business Partner, who has helped organize several Nature Quests.  The company’s core values are: We, not me – together, Head held high – eye level, Customer first and Flow. In her past career, Lotta has experienced similar employee gatherings held within the confines of drab conference venues to define and discuss company values. “Being in nature is something else. We help create bonds between individuals in a completely different way.” 

Fosters understanding and interaction 

Each event starts with a silent walk, a time for reflection. “Then you find a colleague and have a deeper discussion,” says Charley, who has attended two Nature Quests, first in Skåne as a new employee and later in Dalarna as a sherpa. “It’s all about who we are as people, listening to others and sharing our own story. It’s not about generalizing, but about finding out how other people think. You get to know them better as people, which you really feel when you're back in the office.” 

Charley went to law school, spent her early career as a communications consultant in sectors like tech and transportation, and finally worked with brand and communications at a global entertainment company before joining Stegra.

“The impact and scale at Stegra intrigued me, together with the thought of building something from scratch. Throughout my career, I have always navigated towards employers with ambitious sustainability targets, but this was just another level in terms of true climate impact. The fact that the people come from such diverse backgrounds, from different nationalities and industries, made me feel instantly like I belong here.”  

Charley especially highlights the importance of Nature Quests in shaping the company culture. “Stegra is growing day by day, and it has been crucial to invest in our culture from day one. Making sure that everyone feels a sense of belonging early on, and are committed to our purpose and values, has strengthened our team.”