A small business with a big heart

When you walk into Begravningstjänst Habo, you’re greeted by warmth, calm, and a genuine desire to help people during life’s most difficult moments. Here, Charlie Rendahl and his team work to support families throughout the entire process, from the first phone call to the final details of the estate inventory.

“We’re a small company that can easily adapt to our clients’ needs,” says Charlie. “Clients always work with the same advisor throughout the entire process, and that creates a sense of security that many people really appreciate.”

It is precisely this personal touch that has led many people in Habo and the surrounding area to choose them. No two days are alike. The team handles everything from client meetings and transportation to funerals, while the on-call phone rings around the clock.

– Unlike many larger agencies, we are not bound by contracts with florists and other suppliers. We always offer a personal consultation, where the client works with the same advisor from the initial contact until the project is completed, which provides a great sense of security for the client.

When the Swedish Work Environment Authority came knocking

Despite running a successful business, it was just an ordinary workday that took an unexpected turn when the Swedish Work Environment Authority showed up for an inspection.

“I was surprised. We’re a small company, after all. I wondered if someone had reported us,” says Charlie. “But they said the selection is random, and in this case, it was simply my turn.”

The visit resulted in a list of issues that needed to be addressed. For an organization without its own HR department, this meant a significant amount of work that often had to be done after regular working hours.

“It turned into a really heavy workload,” says Charlie. “I couldn’t spare any staff for this, so most of it was done in the evenings.”

Looking back, he is convinced that early collaboration would have made the entire process much smoother.

– If I’d had you by my side, my workload would have been practically zero. Everything the Swedish Work Environment Authority was looking for was already in place.

The value of getting support before problems arise

For Charlie, the inspection served as a clear reminder of the importance of taking preventive measures.

“There’s a big difference between receiving a long list of requirements with a tight deadline and conducting a thorough review at your own pace,” he explains. “Having documents and guidelines ready well before anyone knocks on the door saves an incredible amount of time and energy.”

His advice to other companies is clear.

– Get help before it’s too late. The cost is minimal compared to how much of your own time you would otherwise have to spend.

ByHart is the HR partner for Sweden’s Authorized Funeral and Legal Services and its approximately 400 member companies that hold its certification.

New security and a long-term approach

After the review with his HR specialist at ByHart, Charlie feels that both he and the company are in a stronger position than before.

– I’ve conducted a thorough review of the entire company. All employees have answered questions, we’ve analyzed the situation, and I’ve identified both areas for improvement and things that are actually working very well. Now I feel much more confident about our workplace safety efforts.

But the most important thing, according to Charlie, isn't individual documents or procedures. It's continuity.

– As a small business, I felt that things just “ran smoothly.” But the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that everything has to be in place in case something happens. Business continuity planning is perhaps the most important thing of all—having clear procedures so that workplace safety doesn’t fall through the cracks.

And perhaps most importantly, the comfort of knowing you’re not alone.

– Now I know I have an advisor I can always call. That means more than you might think.

Would you like to see how we can work together to grow your business? Get in touch, and let’s start a conversation!