We perform both regularly repeated and ad hoc studies. We use ad hoc studies to examine topical themes relating to coping at work in the municipal sector.
Using regularly repeated studies we collect long-term information on the structural development of the municipal sector, working conditions, work capacity, occupational well-being and continuing at work.
Regularly repeated studies
Local Jobs 2010
The study monitors the occupational well-being and retirement of 5,000 municipal employees and the development of occupational well-being promoting activities in municipalities and hospital districts. The survey material was collected in 2003 and 2006. More material will be collected in 2009. The study is part of the joint Local Jobs Project of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, the Commission for Local Authority Employers and the Local Government Pensions Institution.
Municipal occupational health care
The study is repeated regularly and is used to monitor the organisation of occupational health care (OHS) in the municipal sector and how different organisational methods are reflected in the operations, quality and availability of OHS services. The study was completed for the first time in 2008 and will be repeated in 2010.
Municipal occupational well-being research
Occupational well-being in the municipal sector is condensed into a single figure which consists of ten sections measuring occupational well-being from different angles. Also the reputation of municipal work is monitored. Material was collected for the first time in 2008 and more will be collected annually.
Special features of municipal work
Working conditions, occupational well-being and work capacity in the municipal sector were compared in the study to the private and state sectors. The aim is to uncover the special features that are central to the municipal sector in relation to continuing at work. The material used includes working condition research by Statistics Finland. The first report was published in 2008.
Risk factors for work capacity
The research project examines which factors are connected to the appearance of incapacity to work and the continuation of work following a weakening in work capacity. Mental health disorders, especially depression, are one of the central aspects of the study. The study is being implemented in co-operation with various bodies, for example the University of Helsinki and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
Occupational well-being of municipal leaders
The first time the study was carried out in 2007, the work capacity, occupational well-being and receptivity to change of municipal leaders was assessed. The basis of the project is the idea that changes in the municipal sector’s structures present challenges not only for the occupational well-being of employees, but also for those leading the change. The study is repeated every two years, for the next time in 2009.
