Home » Guide to working life » Occupational health and safety » Well-being at work » Workplace atmosphere Last updated: 21.06.2023 Workplace atmosphere and interactions A healthy workplace atmosphere and functional work community support the company’s success and their workers’ well-being. Occupational health and safety Working environment Health and safety in the workplace Harassment and inappropriate treatment Equality in the workplace Well-being at work Drug tests Partial disability Occupational diseases KIILA rehabilitation Workplace health promotion Older workers Workloads and stress Workplace atmosphere Early support model Occupational healthcare Occupational accident A positive atmosphere improves well-being at work. Factors that contribute to a positive atmosphere include clear work arrangements, mutually agreed upon rules of conduct, continuous operational assessments, and organisational support for goals. The position of supervisors is critical for improving the work community. Poor leadership and management and crude internal operating methods can sour the workplace atmosphere. A bad workplace atmosphere and working culture often manifest as inappropriate behaviour and bullying. One tool for developing a better working culture are workplace atmosphere surveys. The surveys must be planned and prepared in cooperation with the workers, and the whole work community must be included in discussing the results. Examples of things that create a good workplace atmosphere: Clearly defined worker duties and responsibilities. Thorough induction of new workers that ensures their awareness of what is expected of them and what the objectives of their work are. Professional feedback on worker performance and an option for workers to give feedback without fear of retaliation. Periodic performance reviews – proven in many workplaces to be an excellent opportunity for mutual feedback. Addressing problems If a conflict arises in a work community, it may linger and fester unseen if the people have no means to resolve it appropriately. All workplaces should have instructions for addressing inappropriate treatment. Supervisors must not delay the addressing and resolution of problems. If harassment occurs, supervisors are required by law to act immediately upon learning of the incident. Solutions must be sought by hearing all the parties and considering the other members of the work community as well. External experts may be used to help resolve the situation, including occupational health service specialists and workplace mediators. Useful links Occupational Safety and Health Act (pdf) Good conduct at work and work community skills (in Finnish; Centre for Occupational Safety) See also Action is required to promote well-being at work Employers must organise occupational healthcare by law Inappropriate treatment, harassment, and bullying
