How does the work environment affect work and job satisfaction? How can working life be improved, and do those who decide on premises know how to think about the best interests of the employees? These were some of the topics discussed at the Teknologiakiinteistöt Premises Evening.
The Premises Evening was held on Tuesday, October 1, at the Cave theater in Vierailukeskus Joki. The event explored the importance of the work environment from the perspectives of both employees and employers. During the evening, a study commissioned by Teknologiakiinteistöt from Taloustutkimus was also published, comparing the views of those who decide on premises and those working in them regarding ways of working and work environments. Finally, we heard experiences from companies operating in the Science Park about their own premises and the Science Park area. Download the event presentations at the end of the article.
From the initial situation to the present day
Teknologiakiinteistöt's Account Director Julia Skovbjerg opened the Premises Evening by reflecting on the initial situation of the area 14 years ago when Teknologiakiinteistöt was founded. Ownership was fragmented, only essential repairs were made to properties, and no one was developing the area. Much has happened over the years: properties and individual premises have been renovated, and the entire area has been developed long-term.
– During the current year, we have already carried out 30 larger and smaller modification projects. Teknologiakiinteistöt genuinely wants to listen to the customer and implement the best possible work environment for the customer's needs, said Julia Skovbjerg.
Premises are seen as an enabler for achieving results, where people can be healthy and safe. Encounters happen naturally at the office, and if something is on your mind, you can immediately discuss it with colleagues.
What kind of things are valued in office premises?
Taloustutkimus Research Director Erna Icén presented a study conducted for Teknologiakiinteistöt, which examined the views of business decision-makers on office premises. The study revealed that decision-makers valued shared meeting spaces, private offices, and affordable premises with flexible terms. Decision-makers also considered good parking facilities and functional public transport connections important.
After the research directed at business decision-makers, we also wanted to find out what employees thought about the premises. From the employees' perspective, the challenge with offices was noisy open-plan areas and a lack of quiet spaces. Employees valued meeting rooms, break areas, and a suitable office temperature and good indoor air quality.
When asked about services, employees ranked the proximity of occupational health services and a grocery store, as well as the greenery of the environment and the view from the window, the highest. For business decision-makers, the top priorities were good parking facilities and the proximity of lunch restaurants, the sustainability of the property, and the possibility to charge an electric car or bike.
Why Science Park – customer companies speak up
The evening concluded with speeches from companies operating in the Science Park. Valmet Automotive and Ioncor Communications Manager Mikael Mäki shared why the company decided to establish an office in the Science Park in 2015. The location in Turku was seen as a key factor and a place that brings experts together.
– Many people working in expert roles lived and still live in the Turku region. It is much more sensible for them to come to work at the Turku office instead of commuting daily to Uusikaupunki or Salo, explained Mäki.
Loikka Oy CEO Joonas Suominen shared in his speech how the company has grown in Teknologiakiinteistöt's premises from a one-person business to an organization of 30 people. Employees like to come to the office because it has space for both work requiring concentration and for social interaction.
– Our employees sometimes use the office during their free time as well; you can even play board games here with a larger group, Joonas Suominen smiled contentedly.
Nordea Site Manager Taina Tallbacka-Kitola explained the background of why the company decided to establish a large service center specifically in the Science Park and EduCity. The stunning new facilities bring employees together in one place, and the premises offer work environments for many different needs. The proximity to Turku's higher education institutions played a very important role in Nordea's decision to locate in the Science Park.
– Our location here among higher education institutions and students is excellent, as we have recruited dozens of employees over the past few years, and students have also gained internships at Nordea. We are very satisfied with this cooperation, concluded Tallbacka-Kitola.