Pia och Petri vid Degersand och Restaurang Q.

Summer job in the service industry in Åland

Sun, sea, music and entertainment! Åland is a wonderful paradise with hundreds of thousands of visitors during the summer. This calls for a significant staff reinforcement at Åland's hotels, restaurants, cottage villages, cafés and shops.

Pia Räsänen and Petri Välimaa, Degersand Resort with Restaurant Q

For many years, Pia Räsänen and Petri Välimaa have been running Degersand Resort with Restaurant Q in Eckerö, a holiday paradise by a magnificent sandy beach. Åland Living asked the couple what it is like to be an employer to several summer workers during a few hectic weeks. And what are their expectations of someone who is employed for the summer?

Pia and Petri begin by noting that the employer is always a role model, who should be present and available for questions. During the introduction, it is important that the summer staff receive a thorough onboarding that provides a clear picture of their duties. Equally important is providing continuous feedback and expressing appreciation for their work efforts.

All employees are equally important regardless of their tasks, and it is essential to take good care of your summer workers during the intense days of summer. At Degersand, for example, it is important to offer peaceful meal breaks and the freedom to choose what to eat. Hard work is gladly rewarded with a bonus, and it is important to pay a competitive wage.

Even for summer workers, the summer is full of exciting activities. Pia and Petri plan the summer schedule well in advance to accommodate any requested days off. Despite this flexibility, they remind us that it is also important for summer workers to respect their employer and be aware of how short, intense, and crucial the season is for the business. From all those who apply for summer employment at Degersand, the restaurant-owning couple expect a positive attitude and an active approach in the application process. During the interview, applicants should show commitment and be open and engaged.

Many summer workers return to Degersand year after year!

Good to know

Hygiene certificate and alcohol permit are needed in the restaurant industry

Hygiene certificate and alcohol certificate are good to have if you are looking for a job in the restaurant industry.

In Åland, Åland's Vocational School offers courses for those who need a hygiene certificate and alcohol certificate.