SSDEnergy Is Close to Our Hearts

SSD operates in a sector that is essential to everyday life. Today, however, electricity distribution is about more than infrastructure and reliability. The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with growing emphasis on innovation, technological progress, sustainability and attracting a new generation of specialists. The project therefore aimed to create a unified employer brand identity that authentically reflects SSD’s company culture while strengthening its appeal in the labour market.

Research and analysis

We began the project with an extensive audit of the employer brand and company culture. Through workshops, in-depth interviews, internal surveys and competitor benchmarking, we explored how the company was perceived by employees and external target audiences.
The analysis identified stability, expertise, strong team spirit and a deep sense of belonging as SSD’s greatest strengths. It also highlighted the need to shift the brand’s communication towards greater openness to innovation, professional development and the future of energy. This phase established a clear direction for the employer brand, combining the stability of an established employer with a modern technological environment and meaningful work.

Strategy and EVP

Drawing on these findings, we developed a comprehensive employer branding strategy, including a positioning statement, EVP architecture, communication pillars and a brand values framework. We built the employer brand around three core pillars: PURPOSE, TEAMWORK and LEARNING.
The EVP reflects the significant contribution SSD’s work makes to society, alongside its commitment to teamwork, professional development and long-term stability. It highlights how SSD’s people keep the region, homes, hospitals and schools running, making a tangible difference to the quality of everyday life.
The strategy also defined four core values — collaboration, respect, openness and expertise — supported by specific behavioural principles that connect the company’s culture with its day-to-day operations.

We brought the entire employer branding platform together under one EVP tagline: “Energy is close to our hearts.” It connects employees’ passion for their work with the importance of energy to the region and the company’s strong shared identity.

Creative concept and employer brand communication

We also developed a complete creative concept for the employer brand’s communication, grounded in authenticity and the real people behind SSD. It features actual employees, roles and situations that naturally demonstrate the importance of their work, their expertise and everyday teamwork.

We designed the visual style to reflect the company’s technological focus, its role in the energy sector and its forward-looking approach. The new employer brand identity combines the strength and stability of the energy sector with a human touch, openness and a progressive mindset.

Careers website and employee handbook

Another key part of the project was creating a new careers website and an employee handbook that serves as a practical tool for internal employer branding and onboarding. The handbook brings together the company’s culture, values, benefits and vision, alongside practical information, in a cohesive, modern format that helps strengthen employee engagement and belonging.
The result is a consistent employer branding platform that helps SSD build its long-term reputation as a modern, responsible employer, ready for the future of energy and the changing demands of the labour market.