Two winners of the working environment prize
This years working environment prize goes to Trine Staff and OsloMeet. They receive the award for having made a particularly good effort for the working environment at OsloMet.
The award was presented by acting rector Nina Waaler, during the digital welcome meeting for employees on Thursday.
"The working environment award is an appreciation to someone who has made a special contribution to the working environment at OsloMet. People who build bridges across the organization and contribute to strengthening the "we-feeling"", Waaler said during the award ceremony.
Like last year, measures to improve the working environment related to the pandemic have been given weight. A total of 25 nominations were received, spread over five candidates. The prize of NOK 60,000 will be shared between prize winners, and will be used for a work environment initiative.
Created an extraordinary working environment
The first winner, Trine Staff, is Head of Studies at the bachelor's program in paramedics at the Faculty of Health Sciences. She started in the position just before the pandemic.
Waaler pointed out that Staff was by far the most nominated for the award, and described her as a leader who managed to create an extraordinarily good working environment during the pandemic.
"She has systematically managed to turn around and create a work environment that is now characterized by optimism, commitment and trust. Her colleagues feel seen, heard and understood. She has taken responsibility for the psychosocial environment at the department, been clear, had structure, been available and shown great care and trust", Waaler said.
An opportunity to be social in the home office
The second prize went to a concept that was developed while the pandemic was at its worst.
Waaler described OsloMeet as a digital meeting room which created the opportunity to be social together when everyone was sitting in their home office.
"Initiatives were taken for digital workouts, walks in the local community for colleagues who live close to each other, digital coffee meetings on Teams, and cultural offers. The OsloMeet initiative facilitated a diverse range of activities, and is the worthy second winner of this year's working environment award", said Waaler.
Trine Beate Elvebakken received the award on behalf of everyone who has contributed to OsloMeet. During her work in the Department of External Relations and Communications, and later DIGIN, she contributed to the concept finding its form and technical platform. OsloMeet was developed in the department for HR, while the name was proposed by Bjørn Lyngroth in the Study Administration at LUI.
The jury
The jury for the working environment prize has consisted of acting rector Nina Waaler, HR director Geir Haugstveit, senior safety representative Marthe Eikum-Tang and program manager for culture, welfare and diversity, Vibeke Horn.
