The Tampere unit of HERE Technologies provides Moodmetric Measurement to the whole crew. The company wants to help staff to keep up with the fast growth without compromising the job well-being. Moodmetric Measurement is done in co-operation with the occupational healthcare.
HERE Technologies is a global company providing mapping and location services with 9000 employees. About one percentage of the personnel is located in Finland and the vast majority of them in Tampere.
In the early spring 2018 the Tampere unit started discussions with the occupational health how to support the employees’ mental well-being proactively. Support for physical well-being had been offered for a while already, but Jari Syrjärinne, the unit manager, wanted a more holistic approach to employee well-being.
– We are a fast growing company and want to maintain our agility and positive drive. Almost all of us have a background in a big corporation, where fast growth first brings speed and unpredictable situations, but may eventually result in rigidity. We want to help our staff to keep up with the pace without compromising the job well-being, Jari Syrjärinne says.
– Another important reason for starting the Moodmetric measurements was the objective data it provides. There is a lot of technology for assessing physical health, but the available methods to understand mental health are mainly subjective surveys. This is the first measurement that enables easy and almost insivible way to assess stress and recovery also in long term, Jari Syrjärinne continues.
HERE’s occupational health physician suggested Moodmetric Measurement
HERE’s occupational health physician, Leena Pesonen, was introduced to Moodmetric Measurement through another customer and suggested the measurement to HERE as well.
– I think the service seemed worth trying and wanted to present it to HERE. There is not that much technology available to be used in occupational health for assessing stress and recovery objectively that motivates the user for better stress management at the same time. I tried the ring myself, and I was impressed. I recognize my stress and recovery reactions very well in my body and it was great to verify that in the graphs of the Moodmetric app, says Leena Pesonen from a Finnish healthcare provider Terveystalo.
Not just a perk for the management team
The strong willingness to invest in employee well-being seems evident at HERE. Very often similar services are only provided to the management team or groups that are most active to request organizational and personal development activities. It is worth noting as well that HERE decided to book a follow up Moodmetric Measurement right away.
– With this first measurement round we want to find out what is the starting level for HERE Tampere. In September when the last group of participants has completed the measurement we are able to reflect and discuss together what kind of well-being interventions are needed in the upcoming year. In the summer 2019 we will redo the measurements, Jari Syrjärinne says.
HERE decided to buy 20 rings and the Moodmetric measurement is done in three rounds for the whole staff. Between the measurements the rings are available for the personnel for free use.
Participating Moodmetric Measurement is voluntary, but HERE hopes that everyone will seize the opportunity. – Usually the ones who are the most eager to participate, are the ones who already pay attention to their well-being. To plan truly effective workplace interventions, we need to be able to motivate everyone to take part in the measurement, Jari Syrjärinne says.
In May, HERE’s occupational health physician and Moodmetric’s representative held an info session where they talked about Moodmetric Measurement, its scientific background and how the measurement is linked with HERE’s occupational healthcare. The first measurement group was fully booked immediately after the info.
Great start at HERE
HERE is the first organization where Moodmetric Measurement is done in co-operation with the occupational health. During the two week measurement the participants learn about their stress and recovery levels by following the data on their mobile phone. The participants also get to try how different situations or work tasks show in the stress data. With the tips and advice from the introductory lesson, the participants can engage in job crafting to reach better balance with stress and recovery.
If the participants notice excessive stress load and suspect chronic stress, they have the opportunity to contact straight the occupational healthcare after the measurement. Objective data enhances the dialogue between the employee and the occupational health physician.
HERE’s first Moodmetric feedback session was in May. The group was happy to hear that they achieved the all time best* Moodmetric group average. – Now it’s really interesting to see what kind of group level stress averages the next two groups will have and do we need to strengthen our stress management skills as an organization. Next summer we will get feedback on how we have succeeded, Jari Syrjärinne concludes.
*Moodmetric Measurement is not a competition. “All time best” refers to a value that indicates a good balance of stress and recovery of the measured group. The daily Moodmetric average of 50 indicates a balanced autonomous nervous system.
Access here the Moodmetric Handbook: How Can Companies Reduce Stress at Work
