Demands for greater efficiency have had a dampening effect on working atmosphere at many workplaces. Ten years ago the main reason that people contacted occupational health officials was to complain about work-related illnesses. Now the most frequent reason for complaints is poor treatment.
Kirsi Häkkinen of the Uusimaa Occupational Health District says that people contact her office to talk about conflicts, excessive work assignments, and inappropriate treatment.
In Uusimaa alone, more than 400 people complained of bad treatment and discrimination at the workplace last year. There were only scattered complaints about other factors affecting well-being at work.
The situation is most stressful in workplaces in health care, church parishes, and associations. At commercial enterprises, employers have understood the importance of protecting the well-being of their staff. The companies have understood that a positive spirit promotes economic success.
