Finnish defence procurement is planned in an activity-based environment

The new work and learning environment concept is overhauling not just the barracks and training facilities, but also Finnish Defence Forces’ office premises. The first flexible and modifiable office premises according to the new model were brought into use in December 2019 at the Finnish Defence Forces’ Joint Systems Centre at the Aitovuori service point in Tampere. The 300 employees there are responsible among other things for Finnish defence procurements and the technical management of the army’s materiel.  

In their work, the staff of the Joint Systems Centre are very mobile in their work and visit different partners and come to their own office to do specially classified work and to meet colleagues. The new activity-based environment is divided according to tasks and the required security classification – so no longer for individual employees. Everyone chooses the space they need based on the task in hand at any given time. 

”Most employees do not have a designated workstation since the goal is to work independently of location and in diverse ways. This will initially call for a new attitude and ways of working, but these are quickly learnt. An activity-based environment combines a new approach and way of working,” sums up Vesa Rakkola, Investment Manager at Senate Properties. 

Part A of the building serves ”in the old style”, which means the traditional office rooms have just been redecorated. Employees can choose their workstation from the new side or stick to the old one. Growing numbers want to switch to the new side or at least go and try it out.  

Read more: The Finnish Defence Forces’ work and learning environment concept

Joint design leads to a good outcome

The Aitovuori premises earlier served as Finavia’s air traffic control centre and Senate Properties acquired it in 2017 specifically for the use of the Joint Systems Centre. The renovation project lasted a couple of years and despite a tight schedule, the Joint Systems Centre was able to move into the new premises as planned. 

“Together with the Finnish Defence Forces, we planned on how to combine the high mobility of the staff with the need for interaction in the workspace. The outcome can be seen, for example, in the open, glass-walled communal space and practical, small meeting rooms,” says Vesa Rakkola. 

The modernisation had the same goal as in other central government activity-based environment solutions: to create a concept that supports the working of the unit concerned and enables the premises to be modified if required.  

“This is a major reform in the Finnish Defence Forces’ office premises. The experiences and outcomes of the pilot project are being followed in many places. Here, the outcome was a thoroughbred activity-based office, with special features including spaces of different security classifications. Another special feature is the need military personnel have for large lockers.” 

Need for small meeting rooms

Colonel Reima Kuutsa, Head of the Joint Systems Centre, is pleased that the new work premises include several small meeting rooms that the personnel need in their work. It’s important for an expert to be able to negotiate with partners securely by video link or get together with a few colleagues to consider special issues. The security classified premises will also be used to do work which is not allowed to be done remotely.  

“Everyone in the Finnish Defence Forces can do some work remotely provided this has been agreed beforehand with their supervisor. The personnel at the Joint Systems Centre work many days remotely. They also meet partners elsewhere because outsiders are not admitted to our premises,” Reima Kuutsa says. 

The Joint Systems Centre has particularly paid attention to communication and collecting feedback in commissioning the new facilities. Harri Tilvis, Quality Manager, is responsible for sharing information and utilising feedback.  

“When leaving work, employees can easily give feedback about the mood of the day using a smiley terminal. In addition, we collect more detailed feedback about furniture functionality, for example. Together with Senate Properties and Tampere University, we also conducted an extensive survey for our people. The plan is to repeat this in about a year so that we know how expectations and practice meet,” Tilvis says. 

Read more: What does the new concept mean to the conscripts and the Finnish Defence Forces’ employees?

Feedback also benefits others

The activity-based environment of the Joint Systems Centre will be developed based on the feedback received to make it function even better not just for the Centre’s own staff, but also for future facilities projects for the Finnish Defence Forces. 

“Together, we strive to find the best possible solutions for each need. Our pilot will provide information for other Finnish Defence Forces units. Switching to a multi-activity space is then much easier for the following troops,” Reima Kuutsa says. 

The new premises have already been commended for their brightness and diversity. Colonel Kuutsa points out that the premises are still not completely ready but are still being developed and personalised. The personnel will be able, for example, to come up with a name for the premises in a name competition. Whereas no military props or other items that collect dust will be brought into the new, clean facilities, the plan is to work with the interior designer to develop imagery on a military theme for the walls.