Work environment at School of Global Studies

According to work environment law each workplace with more than five employees shall elect one or more work environment representatives. The work environment representatives represent employees in issues related to the work environment and shall work for a good work environment. The employer is, however, responsible for the work environment and the work environment representatives shall make sure the employer take on that responsibility in accordance with the law. The work environment law is not applicable only to permanent staff but to all employees and students who are at the workplace.

The board of the faculty of social science has accepted the following work environment policy named “The good working environment”. In the policy a good work environment is defined as:

• The scope of practice is well known among all in organization
• Responsibilities and powers on all levels are clearly stated
• The work shall be organized in such a manner that it involves responsibility and, at the same time, gives variation and incitement
• The employees shall continuously be given information, abilities for competence development and possibilities to participate in the formation, change and content of work
• A good working milieu
• A safe and secure work situation
• That the content of work is adjusted to each person’s physical and psychological abilities

The work environment law emphasizes the merger between physical and psychosocial work environment to create a good work environment. To achieve this, a systematic work environment management needs to be pursued. The aim of the Systematic work environment management is that the employer and the work environment representatives, as a natural part of day-to-day activities, shall look for potential physical and psychosocial work related risks. This concludes to:

• Investigate everyone’s work conditions
• Risk assessment
• Adjust when required
• Establish an action plan
• Monitor

The work environment representatives appreciate notifications of potential risks in the working environment. Examples of potential risks are:

• Problem in offices and common areas
• Equipment (such as tables, chairs and computers)
• Work conflicts
• Stress

If you have questions or thoughts about the work environment you are more than welcomed to e-mail or come and talk to the work environment representatives.

Links:

Working environment at the faculty of social science
Working environment handbook at University of Gothenburg (in Swedish)
In emergency
Previa (University work related health care center) (in Swedish)