Workplace Awards 2023: Cognitive ergonomics, interaction and artificial intelligence drive the development of Finland’s most innovative work environments

The principles of sustainability and future foresight directed the renovation of the Sitra offices carried out by the design agency Fyra. The choice of structures, materials and furniture were directed by the “nine Rs” of circular economy. The jury praised the bold and innovative work environment renovation and the resulting inclusive premises that serve all users.

In the new tools and technologies category, the gold went to Workspace’s Sanoin Observations tool, which provides a measure for deep understanding of working in the office. The goal of the innovative solution is to create a better user experience in the premises by using different methods, data and artificial intelligence. Over the first six months, the tool has helped more than 20 organisations to improve their understanding of interaction in their work environments and how their facilities are used.

The office redesign of the marketing agency Dagmar was carried out in workshops hosted by Rakka Works, where participants identified working methods that suited them, solidified shared working methods for teams and created a set of playing rules for everyone. The process, which relies on co-creation, has many elements that can be scaled to other organisations.

In the physical work environment development category, the jury selected two winners: Trevian and Senate Properties. Trevian’s new office in Erottaja2 was designed in collaboration with the concept office Flock. In addition to a meeting place, the office offers a peaceful environment for cognitive work. The jury highlighted the investment in cognitive ergonomics, the homely atmosphere and the addition of new elements, while also respecting the old.

Cooperating with ten different state actors, Senate Properties has developed, in Joensuu, a shared working space where work stations and customer service facilities are available to all actors. The solution enables the versatile and flexible use of the premises and the simultaneous innovation of working methods. The state actors’ first truly shared working environment and shared service point acts as a pilot project and paves the way for similar implementations.

In addition, the jury awarded JLL for developing hybrid work practices and improving informal interaction. The organisation allows individuals and teams the opportunity to choose where they work and consolidates interaction between employees through commonly agreed upon practices. Martela, Senate Properties, Kohina and Destia received honourable mentions.

Fact: The Workplace Awards competition

• Organised by Finnish Property Owners Rakli and IFMA Finland
• Aims to spotlight work environment management and to promote efforts that foster exemplary work environments.
• The competition was held for the fifth time.
• The jury consisted of Peggie Rothe from Leesman, Tytti Bergman from PwC, Tuomas Sahi from Antilooppi, Matti Vartiainen from Aalto University and Susanna Aula from Finnish Property Owners Rakli.
• The Workplace Award 2023 competition categories

Additional information about the awards:
Mikko Östring, Director, Facilities, Finnish Property Owners Rakli, tel. 050 301 8933

Additional information about the winners:

• Sisko Anttalainen, Fyra, tel. 0407482554
• Ilona Karlsson, Workspace, tel. 045 636 2659
• Tero Helenius, Rakka Works, tel. 040 720 4722
• Tiina Kaakkolahti, Trevian, tel. 050 593 7815
• Varpu Penninkilampi-Kerola, Senate Properties, tel. 040 687 8009
• Eeva Lahti, JLL, tel. 050 533 0340