Lack of appreciation leads to work exhaustion

Over 100% presence is a sure way of exhausting oneself at work. Along with the advances in technology and the changes in the pace of life, the time left for reacting and contemplating have evaporated to almost nothing. 2.5% of the Finnish working population have serious symptoms of burn-out. When milder symptoms are included, the proportion grows to one quarter of the working people. The number is huge.

– When a person tries to do his or her work better than the time allotted for it allows, no time is left to recover, explains senior researcher Kirsi Ahola from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, in the latest issue of Telma.

Behind the problems can be seen also a change in the organization of work. In the past, the management gave the commands, the workers carried them out. Nowadays, the supervisor tells what has to be achieved, the employees are responsible for planning and doing the work. When people are given an opportunity to influence matters related to their work, responsibility comes into the picture.

– The more freedom there is in your work, the less overall freedom you have. It’s a good thing that you can influence your own work, but it’s not good to be left alone with it.

Ahola reminds us that over two thirds of working people nevertheless feel energetic and enthusiastic about their work.

A worker is the best expert and enhancer of his or her own work, says professor emerita Raija Kalimo , who has many years of experience in investigating stress. According to her, in Finland there is enough know-how to tackle problems related to coping at work. But more sincere will power is what is needed.

Stress is not the only theme of Telma 4/08. The journal visits Santa’s workshop in Lappland, and Päivikki Palosaari at Levi. Telma gets acquainted with the work prospects of people with visual defects, and takes a look at how social service workers cope with their demanding work. Columnist Katja Ståhl , media specialist, admires the work of waiters.

Telma is a journal specialized in developing work life. It is published by The Finnish Work Environment Fund and The Centre for Occupational Safety. The target groups of the journal are, among others, occupational safety personnel and trustees of workplaces, occupational health care specialists, supervisors, work life researchers, and communications specialists. Telma’s circulation is 110,000, and Alma Media Lehdentekijät handles its practical implementation.

For more information contact:

The Finnish Work Environment Fund: communication manager Marja-Leena Jylhä, 040 548 8852
The Centre for Occupational Safety: communication specialist Eija Åback, 040 537 1822

www.telma-lehti.fi

www.ttk.fi

The aim of the Finnish Work Environment Fund (TSR) is to sponsor such research, development, and information activities that enhance working conditions and promote the safety and productivity of workplaces.

The aim of the Centre for Occupational Safety (TTK) is to improve simultaneously occupational safety, well-being and productivity, as well as the prerequisites of good leadership and collaboration. The activities are targeted at occupational safety and health personnel, and also at supervisors and trustees of enterprises. The Centre offers training, information, materials and development services to work communities. The activities are financed mainly from the employers’ accident insurance fees and administered by the Finnish Work Environment Fund.

The Finnish Work Environment Fund and the Centre for Occupational Safety are governed by the central labour market organizations.