Press release

THE WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Part of the Finnish Government programme
THE WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (1996-99 AND 2000-03)

Aim

To promote effectiveness and the quality of working life by furthering innovation-supporting modes of operation and employee skills at Finnish workplaces.

Main methods

• providing financial and other support and expertise for development projects at Finnish workplaces

• disseminating information and expertise on workplace development

• intensifying cooperation between all parties involved in workplace development

Participants

• companies, public bodies and other organizations

• no restrictions on sector or size of workplaces involved

Budget

• funded from the Finnish State budget, FIM 46 million in 2001

Organization

• tripartite expert group and management group

• project team at the Ministry of Labour

Contact information

The Workplace Development Programme
Ministry of Labour
P.O. Box 34,
00023 Government, Finland
(Mikonkatu 4, 10100 Helsinki)

Tel. +358 (0)9 16006 (exchange)
Fax. +358 (0)9 1604 8900

The goal of the National Workplace Development Programme is to improve effectiveness and the quality of working life at Finnish workplaces. The programme provides expert support and funding for development projects in both companies and public bodies. The basic premise of the funding is a shared view by management and employees to join forces for workplace development.

Development projects typically focus on promoting team work and empowering methods of management, increasing multiskilling, improving coping at work and building networks between companies. All projeets must be workplace initiated. Both management and employees take part in planning and carrying out the projects.

Two-thirds of the projects are carried out in the private sector, Most of these in the manufacturing industry. Local authorities also take part actively in the programme.

The programme is managed on a tripartite basis. Ministry of Labour is responsible for the practical implementation of the Programme.

The National Workplace Development Programme is a part of the Government's programme for 1996-99 and 2000-03. During its first term, FIM 95 million (EUR 16 million) were budgeted for the programme. These funds were used to start 300 development projects affecting nearly 50,000 people.

In Finland, at present, there is a shared view by all the major stakeholders that workplace development is a key area of public policy.

The National Workplace Development Programme is a member of the European Network on Work Organization (EWON) established by DG V, of the European Commission.