Worker health initiatives: The Kokkola approach

Challenge the practice is addressing: The practice presents an example of how a company can promote workers’ health through various health and well-being initiatives.

Concrete practice to achieve the expected goal: Boliden emphasises precautionary measures to promote health and well-being, and its employees in Kokkola enjoy several health and well-being benefits. For example, the company encourages employees to exercise and enjoy culture in their free time by offering financial support for their fitness memberships and cultural hobbies. This is accompanied by weekly exercise sessions and leisure activities provided and organised by the company. Boliden also organises a yearly 'cycle to work' campaign with prizes to encourage workers to commute by bike. In addition, they collaborate with physiotherapists to ensure healthy ergonomics at work, and all employees are encouraged to use physiotherapy and mental health services offered by Boliden’s healthcare centre. The company also provides voluntary insurance for all employees to ensure they receive fast and high-quality medical care when needed.

Expected impact/goal of the practice: The aim of the practice is to promote employees’ health and to minimise sick rates among all staff.

Who is the target user group of the practice/intervention or implementing the practice/intervention? The target group of the practice is company staff – especially human resources and other departments in charge of workers’ health initiatives.