Feb 10 • 04:30 UTC 🇸🇪 Sweden SVT Nyheter

Local cleaning services in Robertsfors went from high stress to low sick leave – with a new working method

The cleaning staff in Robertsfors experienced a significant reduction in sick leave and stress levels after implementing a new working method and hiring more permanent employees.

Helena Liljenordh, the cleaning manager in Robertsfors since 2013, identified high stress and sick leave levels among staff, which she attributed to overly short cleaning schedules and excessive workload. As a result, the municipality struggled to stay within its budget due to the rising costs of sick leave and temporary workers needed to cover absences. Liljenordh reported these concerns to the local government and highlighted the need for a significant improvement in the work environment.

To address these issues, Liljenordh proposed a strategic shift to reduce absenteeism by hiring more permanent staff and creating a pool of substitutes, thereby alleviating the pressure on existing employees who were often forced to cover each other’s shifts. This restructuring aimed to create a more sustainable working schedule, which not only aimed at reducing stress but also promised to improve financial management within the department by reducing reliance on expensive temporary contracts and sick leave costs.

Since implementing these changes, Robertsfors has noticed a remarkable decline in both employee sick leave and stress levels. This success story serves as a testament to the importance of effective management and work environment strategies in addressing employee well-being, ultimately reflecting positively on the productivity and sustainability of public service operations. The findings could inspire other municipalities facing similar challenges to adopt similar reforms in search of better employee welfare and operational efficiency.

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