How does the work environment affect work and job satisfaction? How can working life be made better, and do those who decide on premises know how to consider the best interests of their employees? These were among the topics discussed at the Teknologiakiinteistöt Premise Evening.
The Premise Evening was held on Tuesday, October 1st, at the Cave theater in Vierailukeskus Joki. The event explored the significance of the work environment from the perspectives of both employees and employer companies. During the evening, a study conducted by Taloustutkimus for Teknologiakiinteistöt was also released, comparing the views of decision-makers and employees on working methods and work environments. Finally, we heard about the experiences of companies operating in the Science Park regarding their own premises and the Science Park area. Download the event presentations at the end of the article.
From the starting point to the present day
Teknologiakiinteistöt's Key Account Director Julia Skovbjerg opened the Premise Evening by recalling the starting situation of the area 14 years ago when Teknologiakiinteistöt was founded. Ownership of the area 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 with a long-term approach.
– During the current year, we have already carried out 30 major and minor renovation projects. Teknologiakiinteistöt truly wants to listen to the customer and implement the best possible work environment for the customer's needs, said Julia Skovbjerg.
Office premises are seen as enablers of productivity, where people can be healthy and safe. Encounters happen naturally at the office, and if something is on your mind, you can discuss it immediately with colleagues.
What kind of things are valued in office premises?
Research Director Erna Icén from Taloustutkimus came to present a study conducted for Teknologiakiinteistöt, which investigated the views of business decision-makers on office premises. The study revealed that decision-makers valued shared meeting rooms, private offices, and affordable premises with flexible contract terms. Decision-makers also considered good parking facilities and functional public transport connections to be important.
After the research aimed at business decision-makers, we wanted to find out what the employees thought about the premises. From the employees' perspective, the challenge of offices was noisy open-plan spaces and a lack of quiet rooms. Employees valued meeting rooms, break areas, as well as a suitable room temperature and good indoor air quality.
When asked about services, employees valued the proximity of occupational healthcare and a grocery store, as well as the green surroundings and the view from the window, the highest. For business decision-makers, good parking facilities and the proximity of lunch restaurants, the sustainability of the property, and the possibility to charge electric cars and bikes reached the top of their list.
Why Science Park – customer companies speak out
At the end of the evening, we heard presentations from companies operating in the Science Park. Communications Manager Mikael Mäki from Valmet Automotive and Ioncor 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 in expert positions lived and still live in the Turku region. It is much more meaningful for them to come to work at the Turku office instead of commuting daily to Uusikaupunki or Salo, explained Mäki.
CEO Joonas Suominen of Loikka Oy explained in his speech how the company has grown in Teknologiakiinteistöt's premises from a one-person company to a 30-person organization. Employees are happy to come to the office because there is space for both work requiring concentration and for social interaction.
– Our employees sometimes use the office in their free time as well; you can even play board games here with a larger group, smiled Joonas Suominen contentedly.
Nordea Site Manager Taina Tallbacka-Kitola gave background on why the company ended up establishing a large service center specifically in the Science Park and EduCity. The magnificent new premises gather employees in one place, and the facilities offer work environments for various needs. The proximity of Turku's higher education institutions played a very important role in Nordea's decision to locate in the Science Park.
– Our location here in the middle of higher education institutions and students is excellent, as we have recruited dozens of employees over the past few years, and students have also received internships at Nordea. We are really satisfied with this cooperation, concluded Tallbacka-Kitola.