Managers are responsible for creating a good work environment
At the beginning of 2022, a special prevention division was established at Virk, which is headed by Ingibjörg Loftsdóttir.
“The responsibility of managers is great,” says Ingibjörg. Managers essentially lay the foundation for the culture that defines the company. Trust needs to be built in the workplace. “This all comes down to being a fundamentally good person and making employees feel genuinely valued.”
This means that people feel they are aware of decisions that affect their jobs, that each individual is respected, and that everyone is treated equally. Ingibjörg also points out that we must not forget to give attention and praise for a job well done.
“Trust is the foundation of good communication,” says Ingibjörg, “the feeling that people can express their opinions without suffering negative consequences.”
Part of Virk's preventative work is the website velvirk.is, where managers have access to educational material and tools that can be used to promote employee well-being and help create a health-promoting work environment. The website includes, for example, tools like the stress ladder, which is a valuable tool for managers who want to understand their employees' well-being and even reverse ill-being.
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