People
Creating Chances
Social responsibility is close to our hearts. As Bamse — a beloved Swedish children’s character known for being both the strongest and the kindest bear in the world — says: “If you’re strong, you have to be kind.”
We are especially passionate about reducing social exclusion, creating opportunities for integration, and contributing to long, meaningful lives that inspire hope and open doors for the future.
As a large employer in an entry-level industry, it’s easy to create jobs — but much harder to be an employer that truly helps people develop and grow.
Since our journey began in 2007, we’ve always looked for strong character and the right attitude, alongside skills. For us, Creating Chances means seeing the potential in every driven and hard-working individual. It also means actively collaborating with organisations that support people in vulnerable situations and promote integration.
Our focus areas
- Reducing social exclusion – through knowledge and best practice in our partnership with organisation Diversity Charter
- Integration & opportunities – through jobtrainings and knowledge about communicational & cultural understanding with knowledge from our partnership with Tent
- Knowledge & Education – through ESS Group Academy with internal development
- Health, safety and belonging – through the employer commitment of ESS Group and collective agreement with Visita on our destinations
Local Commitments
Local commitment means alot to us. In our destinations we have more than 70 different nationalities so we are passionate about reducing exclusion and support integration in ways we’re able to.
The local commitments below creates opportunities for the future.
Irstablixten & Miniblixten
A three-year partnership supporting two of Sweden’s biggest youth handball tournaments.
Hjortviken Entry-Level Program
Hjortviken collaborates with the Municipality of Härryda to offer individuals who are far from the labour market an opportunity for job training in a hotel environment. During Hjortviken’s first year of operation, 10 participants were offered employment following the program — and more are on the way.
Elevfonden by ESS Group
During 2027, we will launch a mentorship program for culinary students aged 18–21. With nearly 50% leaving the industry, our ambition is to support, inspire, and help shape the next generation of culinary talent from an early stage in their careers.
Hjortviken Cycle Raise
A yearly cycling initiative raising funds for Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital.
Warm Meals Project
Transforming surplus food into fresh meals for people in need, over 15,000 portions served so far. Co-lab between Coop , Ystad Saltsjöbad, Samhall, Erikshjälpen and Svenska Kyrkan.
Music Aid Initiatives (Musikhjälpen)
Recurrently, our teams come together to support Musikhjälpen, one of Sweden’s largest charity movements. Through creative initiatives, from auctioning the entire Steam Hotel and Hjortviken for overnight stays, to the ESS Runners Club renting the national arena Ullevi for a fundraising run we’ve turned, passion, community and hospitality into real impact.
