A common well-being model brings activities to everyone
At the beginning of 2024, Ouneva Group introduced a new well-being model. The HR team is responsible for developing and managing this model, while our well-being ambassadors represent the perspective of the employees. We spoke with our ambassadors to clarify what this model truly entails.
What is the Well-Being Model, and How Will It Change Our Work Environment?
From the perspective of our well-being ambassadors, the well-being model is a system designed to improve workplace well-being, health, job satisfaction, and team spirit. Some ambassadors have even noted that a healthy and well-supported workforce can enhance profitability. The model offers a variety of activities from which employees can choose what best suits them. The model’s goal is to encourage participation and offer activities for all employees, from cultural events to physical activities. According to our ambassadors, the primary purpose of the model is to support the well-being of our workforce and foster a strong sense of community within Ouneva Group.
The well-being model brings a refreshing change to daily work life through shared activities. Well-being ambassadors actively promote the use of the company intranet and encourage staff to participate in various events.
What Do Well-Being Ambassadors Do?
The primary role of well-being ambassadors is to act as liaisons between employees and the HR team. They communicate suggestions and ideas for activities, gathered directly from the employees, to HR. Ambassadors also encourage colleagues to use the intranet, where all well-being activities are conveniently listed. Each well-being ambassador has been selected either through an employee vote or a nomination by colleagues, reflecting their commitment to promoting employee well-being. Most ambassadors are already familiar faces across the company, which makes them approachable and facilitates interaction.
Well-being ambassadors of Ouneva’s connector factory from left to right: Tiina, Tapio and Auli. Being very active members of the community, they are easy to approach.
Why Did Ambassadors Choose This Role?
Well-being ambassadors are motivated by the desire to positively impact the work environment and atmosphere in an employee-centered way. They describe themselves as creative and active individuals within their teams, which makes it easier for them to make an impact. Many were nominated for the role by their colleagues. The ambassadors focus on various areas: some are particularly dedicated to organizing sports-related activities, while others develop events centered around crafts or cultural experiences. For them, the most important aspect is the ability to work with HR to organize activities that are engaging and inclusive for everyone.
What Has the Well-Being Model Achieved So Far?
The largest event organized through the well-being model to date has been participation in Osuuskaupparock, an activity that was requested by the employees. More than 200 people from across Ouneva Group took part in the festival. Other shared events have included campfire outings, summer theater visits, and running workshops. Additionally, Sales Manager for Connector Products, Joaquin, organized a popular frisbee golf course. The ambassadors have a few more activities planned for the rest of the year, and planning for next year’s program has already begun.
Jotwire’s well-being ambassadors from left to right: Katri, Tiina and Sandra. Jotwire’s ambassadors want to bring activities from cultural hangouts to sports afternoons to the well-being calendar.
What Kind of Feedback Has the Well-Being Model Received?
The most valuable feedback received so far has been the active interest of employees reaching out to ambassadors to inquire about upcoming activities—this shows that the model has been well-received and that there is a desire for it to continue. Aleksi, a well-being ambassador from Ase Utra, mentioned a tangible result: the number of employees cycling to work has increased following Ouneva Group’s participation in the Kilometrikisa challenge.
Aleksi from Ase Utra is very happy about new cycling commuters.
The well-being model has also attracted attention among ambassadors’ social circles, as such a model is uncommon. Our ambassadors take pride in saying that “this isn’t something you see at just any company!”