Work community
A functioning work community is safe, healthy and productive. Characteristics of a functioning work community include equality, fairness, effective interaction, appropriately taxing work tasks and giving and receiving support. This way, the goals will also be clear, the management and organisation of work will function and the roles, responsibilities and authorities of each operator in the work will be balanced. Everyone will feel welcome and valued as a member of the work community.
Subpages of the section
Diversity, equality and non-discrimination
The starting point for a diverse work community is equal and non-discriminatory treatment of employees. Making good use of diversity requires understanding and appreciating the differences between people. It is the responsibility of each member of the work community to ensure that a culture that respects and makes use of diversity emerges at the workplace. Diversity is a resource that promotes the development of operating methods and services.
Everyone has an impact on the work community
Setting reasonable expectations of others and trusting that others are generally good-willed promote the work community’s operations. Mutual trust and appreciation are the basis of co-operation. Members of the work community respect different ways of working to achieve common goals, so long as they are within the mutually agreed limits. Competence is shared for everyone to use, and other people are treated professionally. Disagreements are resolved without delay with the persons who are involved in their occurrence and who can contribute to resolving them. Practices that promote co-operation have been mutually agreed and are followed.
Development of the work community
In a functioning work community, the supervisor is aware of the challenges of everyday life. They engage in continuous dialogue with the people working in their area of responsibility in order to clarify the goals of the work and develop the flow of the work. The supervisor’s actions are inclusive and enabling. The work and its development are discussed openly together. Different perspectives are valued.
The management of the organisation and the workplace ensures safe and healthy conditions for smooth work. The Occupational Safety and Health Act obligates the employer to take care of the safety and health of employees at work, for example, by developing the working conditions as well as monitoring the health of employees at work and the state of the work community.
The expertise of various expert parties, such as HR administration, occupational safety and health cooperation personnel, shop stewards and occupational health care, is utilised in development. Adequate flow of information increases trust and reduces rumours and misunderstandings.
- clarifying responsibilities and practices
- eliminating issues that hinder the flow of the work and processes
- jointly discussing the work
- finding development needs and pinpointing successes in various ways
- engaging in joint development
- holding one-on-one meetings on confidential matters
- investigating and settling disputes in a timely manner.
Work community skills
Work community skills are manifested as responsible operations, professional work behaviour and a positive attitude towards work, members of the work community, the supervisor and the workplace. Work community skills are based on the acceptance of one’s own role, the role of others, the basic task of the work community, communication and interaction skills and self-regulation skills.
A member of the work community who promotes the smooth flow of work and well-being at work
- takes responsibility for the work done together and the achievement of goals
- does their work well and gives space to others to do theirs
- shares their competence
- wants to develop both themselves and the work
- asks for and accepts help
- remembers the importance of everyday interaction
- respects common operating methods and the right time, place and way to handle issues
- adopts a positive attitude towards matters and people
- acts fairly
- takes care of their recovery.
A person with work community skills has a positive attitude towards their work and management instructions. They take the work situation of others into account and offer help on their own initiative. They also ask for feedback, evaluate their own actions and are willing to make changes to their conduct.
A person with work community skills discusses work-related matters with the people concerned. They approach situations with a work- and solution-oriented approach and do not hesitate to bring up difficult issues. They listen attentively and make sure that they have understood correctly what the other persons says. They also add constructive humour to their work.
A person with work community skills does not dwell on troubles or difficulties. They try to see what works or is well despite possible problems. They are also able to change their perspective; for example, viewing change as an opportunity to learn.
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Everybody needs self-management skills
Every workplace should have a discussion about what kind of self-management is needed there. When and how would you address the topic?
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