Releases
Versatility is richness
Finnish work life follows the trends in other European countries: there are increasing numbers of employees with very different backgrounds at workplaces. Correctly understood, differences are a strength and richness.
More than ever, employees differ from each other in regard to their age, education, religion, or even sexual inclination. This versatility presents a challenge, but also an opportunity. It is a challenge especially in conflict situations when different views, needs or benefits have to be reconciled.
– Conflicts at work may even be fruitful, because at best they promote development, reminds trainer Annaliisa Colliander, in the latest issue of Telma.
The handling of conflicts in a constructive way requires the mastering of complex situations. This implies that differences are appreciated, people are treated in an equal manner and given equal opportunities for influencing matters at work.
– The increasing complexity and versatility of work life challenge us to grow as human beings. We have to understand and appreciate differences. This begins by acknowledging your own individual characteristics and appreciating them. After that you will be able to recognize the special uniqueness of other people.
Knowledge of rocket science is not needed to understand cultural pluralism. Simple rules of behaviour are essential, however. And they are important in solving conflicts in any work community.
– A pluralistic approach, in which differences are accepted and valued, is manifested as friendly behaviour at workplaces, says Colliander.
Telma takes a look at what pluralism means in practice, for instance, at MTV’s studios and at Itella Corporation’s huge logistics centre, which has an international work community, including employees from many different cultures.
In its theme on pluralism, Telma 1/2010 explores how different-aged people work side by side at a transport vehicle repair garage, and visits Finnish employees working abroad, as well as employees in Finland with an Indian background. In addition, Telma rises to a dizzy height in the cabin of a harbour crane, and asks whether one should laugh at all coffee break jokes. In a strictly official column Under-Secretary of State Jyrki Liikka is shocked by the hazards threatening office employees, another columnist Jukka-Pekka Puro discusses the twists and turns of communication in work life.
Telma is a journal specialized in developing work life. It is published by the Finnish Work Environment Fund and the Centre for Occupational Safety. The target groups of the journal are, among others, occupational safety personnel and trustees of workplaces, occupational health care specialists, supervisors, work life researchers, and communications specialists. Telma’s circulation is 110,000, and Alma Media Lehdentekijät is responsible for its practical implementation.
For more information contact:
The Finnish Work Environment Fund: communication manager Marja-Leena Jylhä, 040 548 8852
The Centre for Occupational Safety: communication specialist Eija Åback, 040 537 1822
The aim of the Finnish Work Environment Fund (TSR) is to sponsor such research, development, and information activities that enhance working conditions and promote safety and productivity at workplaces.
The aim of the Centre for Occupational Safety (TTK) is to improve simultaneously occupational safety, well-being and productivity, as well as the prerequisites of good leadership and collaboration. The Centre offers training, information, materials and development services to work communities, and maintains a register of occupational safety personnel.
The Finnish Work Environment Fund and the Centre for Occupational Safety are governed by the central labour market organizations.
