The Turku City Theatre implemented an impressive workplace development project aimed at strengthening strategic work ability management, improving proactive risk identification, and enhancing staff well-being and recovery.
The project began in 2022 and concluded in 2024. During this period, all staff had the opportunity to participate in an engaging health and fitness assessment, take part in inclusive workplace well-being workshops, receive leadership coaching, and benefit from refined internal work ability management processes.
Arto Valkama, CEO of Turku City Theatre, commented:
“We wanted to provide systematic and concrete support as part of our ‘Make Room for Good’ strategy. We believe that investing in personnel and leadership is a vital investment in the theatre’s future—especially now as we prepare for the extensive renewal of the Music Hall Fuuga.”
The project resulted in significant improvements in employee well-being and work ability. Staff self-assessments of their own health rose on average from 7.3 to 7.7. Physiologically measured health fitness improved by an average of 1.9 years, which amounts to a collective gain of over 100 years across the entire staff.
The experience of insufficient recovery decreased significantly—from 51% to 29%—which is a notable improvement in the demanding theatre industry. The rate of long-term absences also fell from 18% to 7%, further indicating enhanced work ability and health among the personnel.
“Overall, the project’s results are encouraging and demonstrate that well-executed initiatives can have a real impact on both perceived and measured well-being. At the same time, we came to understand how essential it is to continue inclusive development efforts to improve work flow, atmosphere, and leadership,” summarizes Kristiina Norri, Director of HR and Finance.
The project was carried out in cooperation between Turku City Theatre, the Finnish expert company Freia Oy, and the pension insurance company Keva.
More information:
Arto Valkama, CEO, +358 40 591 5442, arto.valkama@tkteatteri.fi
Kristiina Norri, Director of HR and Finance, +358 44 906 2609, kristiina.norri@tkteatteri.fi
Antti Äikäs, CEO, +358 50 369 0908, antti.aikas@freialife.com