In addition to physical stress, builders can accumulate a mental load in their work, and support is needed to lighten both the work and the mind. Work well-being manager Helena Pekkanen, who has been awarded for the prevention and management of work-related stress, approaches people as a whole. He maintains his stamina by taking a dip in the sea in all seasons.
Who are you?
My name is Helena Pekkanen and I work as the occupational well-being manager at Skanska. For almost my entire working career, I have worked in the construction industry on the topics of occupational health, well-being and work ability management in various positions. I answer e.g. on the development of work ability management as part of Skanska's personnel process and on occupational health cooperation.
Your typical work day?
My working days include meetings and negotiations with internal entities and external partners. I spar and support superiors and personnel in matters related to work ability and well-being. I also participate in the occupational health negotiations for occupational health, which keeps me very focused on everyday work ability challenges and how to solve them. Working days often include something unplanned in advance, which requires measures to be taken on a fast schedule. I try to reserve time in my calendar for development work that requires concentration.
When are you in your element?
Developing things and collaborating are definitely the best part of my job. Most things cannot be solved alone, and results can only be obtained when things that support work ability and well-being can be taken into the various functions of the organization. Health promotion and disease prevention inspires both from a human and economic point of view.
What is the next barrier to workplace wellness thinking that needs to be broken down?
Transparency has increased in matters of mental health, but there is still a lot to be done. Tools proven to be useful in managing physical occupational safety can also be used to promote mental well-being and support mental health. All parties need information and know-how about humans as a physical, psychological and social entity.
What is most important to you in your work?
The most important thing is to build a culture of trust and equality. I feel that, for my part, I can be creating structures that concretely promote these values that are important to me. One of my mottos is "trust is hard currency". When there is trust, even difficult issues can be solved and the best ideas come out.