Turku City Theatre implemented an carried out an impactful workplace development project aimed at strengthening strategic work ability management, improving proactive risk identification, and enhancing staff wellbeing and recovery.
The project began in 2022 and concluded in 2024. During this time, all staff had the opportunity to participate in an engaging health and fitness assessment, take part in inclusive workplace wellbeing 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 crucial investment in the theatre’s future — especially now as we prepare for the extensive renewal of the Music Hall Fuuga.”
The project led to significant improvements in staff wellbeing and work ability. Self-assessments of personal health rose from an average of 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. Long-term absences also dropped from 18% to 7%, further indicating better health and work ability the personnel.
“Overall, the results of the project are encouraging and demonstrate that well-executed initiatives can have a real impact on both perceived and measured wellbeing. At the same time, we realized how important it is to continue inclusive development efforts to improve workflow, 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