Changing workplaces
We support our customers in work environment changes from beginning to end. Over the years, work environment development has expanded from spatial planning to a multidisciplinary area of expertise. At the same time, we have begun to better understand the strategic opportunities work environments open up in the management of organisations.
What does your job involve?
At Senate Properties, I lead a nationwide workplace unit currently consisting of around a dozen leading specialists in workplace development, change management and knowledge work.
We implement activity-based environments for our customers in accordance with the central government premises strategy. Work environments involve not only new types of facilities solutions, such as shared work environments, but also changing ways of working due to mobile and multi-location working and hybrid work. So it is not just a question of changing the facilities, but of developing a comprehensive operational culture. On top of that, there are savings in premises costs: in activity-based environments, the facilities are used more efficiently, so less square metres are needed.
In accordance with the central government premises strategy, we also help our customers in special premises to develop their activities together with the facilities. This is how we ensure that the facilities support the core operations and processes of customer organisations.
Work environment management is also of key importance, ensuring the smooth running of customers’ everyday lives and the continuous development of the work environment, taking into account its physical, digital and social dimensions.
We provide our customers with comprehensive support – from beginning to end – when they make changes to their work environment. We work with them to produce a work environment solution that supports the organisation’s strategy and operations, we support management in the smooth implementation of the change in operating culture, and we help to introduce new ways of working. We also carry out knowledge work performance measurements, which we use to help organisations to develop their operations.
What are the targets of your team’s work?
Our basic message is that the work environment should be seen as a strategic resource and an active part of management. This will ensure that it supports the targets and processes of the core operations.
Management of a productive workplace requires the cooperation of solid expertise and the organisation’s support functions. In other words, the following functions – real estate administration, HR management and data administration as well as communications, finances and corporate social responsibility – need to be included in workplace management.
In shared work environment projects, we offer change support to government customer organisations to ensure a smooth transition to a new work environment and way of working.
What opportunities does the future offer your work?
The operating environment is constantly changing, and there is no end in sight to the development of knowledge work and work environments. This makes a positive attitude and flexibility key requirements when developing sustainable working models and supporting work environment solutions. For example, the possibilities of utilising digitalisation and AI in the development and management of work environments are only just beginning to emerge.
Three principles that guide your work?
- A good work environment is not just a space, but also has physical, virtual and social dimensions. These must all be considered.
- The change in work environment must be seen as a holistic change in ways of working and operating culture, not a mere change in space.
- Nothing must be left to chance. Implementation of workplace change must be made as easy and smooth as possible for our customers. We provide them with all our support here.
About me
I studied to be an architect and previously worked as a senior consultant in work environment development at Evata Finland Oy and Pöyry Group. I have been involved in establishing the Työ 2.0 project, which develops smarter ways of working and operating in central government administration, and have participated in numerous workplace research, development and collaboration projects both in Finland and internationally. I have been able to do pioneering work in Finnish work environment development for over two decades, and my strengths are a broad overview and future development trends.
