“Shared work environments are a sustainable and responsible use of space. A flexible activity-based environment boosts job motivation and collaboration between different agencies. Shared agency service points also ensure comprehensive customer service,” says Jyrki Reinikainen, Project Director, Coworking Environments, at Senate Properties.
“We want to be a leader in renewing work environments. Work environments shared by a number of agencies and shared government and municipal customer service facilities are a key element in the Government’s Premises Strategy. In this context, we work closely with Ministry of Finance and central government administration experts.
Senate’s shared work environments strategic project was launched in January 2022. The goal is to expand the network of shared work environments in stages. We will have 15 of these in 15 locations by 2025 and in 25 locations by 2029.
The first shared work environments to be launched are those in North Karelia, South Karelia and Päijät-Häme. Ten agencies will start using the new renovated facilities in the government office building in Joensuu in March 2023. This is the first government building in regional central cities to have shared working environments and a customer service area.
Where agencies are found in the same building, citizens can conveniently access services at the same address. Visits to central government administration service points are forecast to decrease by around 50% by 2030. In coming years, we will implement a central government administration customer service network in around 90 localities. At small service points, customers will be able to access diverse services through digital solutions such as remote connections.
Above all, this is a question of how work is done. A shared work environment and hybrid work promote multi-location working irrespective of time and place. A network of shared work environments gives all employees the freedom to work in the location of their choice. The availability of good, attractive work facilities across Finland makes it easier to recruit new talents.
Likewise at the workplace, a flexible, activity-based environment gives employees the freedom to choose the most suitable place to work. The ability to choose boosts work motivation and collaboration between agencies. This leads to interaction, pleasant encounters, ideas and learning from each other.
We act responsibly when we invest in those premises that are needed rather than maintaining underused premises. When unnecessary costs are trimmed, money is freed up for other purposes. As space efficiency improves, the carbon footprint of agencies decreases and emissions are also reduced with less commuting.
A network of shared work environments is also sensible from the aspect of preparedness and security. When facilities are under the same roof, we are able to effectively ensure the functioning of electricity, telecommunications and services.”
Jyrki Reinikainen, Project Director
Coworking Enviroments, Senate Properties
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