New work environment policy and goals – stronger support for work environment management

A joint effort

The Work Environment Policy describes what characterises a good work environment promoting health and safety at the University of Borås and serves as a guide in how we achieve it, together.

“Work environment management is not something that only managers do or check off. We all have a part in our work environment, and we create it together,” said Director of HR Birgitta Alfraeus. 

She emphasises that a good working environment is based on active engagement, in how we treat each other, in cooperation between colleagues, and in how we jointly deal with those issues that need to be further developed.

Clarifications that strengthen us

The updated policy makes no major changes, but includes additions that make its intentions clearer and easier to put into practice.

“The old policy was not bad, but we have now clarified some aspects, including around active measures and zero tolerance against harassment,” said  Birgitta Alfraeus.

When the Policy for Equal Opportunities was removed, these perspectives were integrated into the Work Environment Policy. In this way, work environment, health and safety, and discrimination issues are brought together in a clearer framework.

“Sweden’s Work Environment Act and Discrimination Act influence each other. Bringing these perspectives together makes it clearer what we stand for and what we want to achieve," she explained.

Practical implications for work

The policy and goals provide a common language and direction for the entire university. They should support both planning and situations where issues need to be monitored or addressed.

“It should be easy to know how to proceed if something happens. The policy is a guide that we can lean on, both to prevent and to deal with situations that arise,” said Birgitta Alfraeus.

She also stresses that issues that cannot be resolved directly should be addressed in action plans that are monitored regularly, so that the work is systematic and transparent.

The university's work environment and health and safety responsibilities also cover the students' study environment. This means that everyone who encounters students needs to consider how learning environments are designed and experienced, both physically and digitally.

Read more

Work Environment Policy 
Work Environment Goals