The background to the initiative is that the staff experienced stressful working days and found it difficult to get the breaks they are entitled to during working days. The situation led to three notifications from the safety representatives about lack of time and stress, and the Work Environment Agency demanded measures from the municipality.
“Not as stressed”
The project has been going on for a few weeks and is gradually being introduced in the municipality’s home care groups. According to protection officer Alexander Näslund, it has already yielded results.
– There is quite a big difference. You are not as stressed because it is a little more airy in the planning.
In practice, this means that everyone should have the opportunity to take a break of 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes in the afternoon and 15 minutes in the evening.
Reactions from the public
It’s about prioritizing and making it possible to take a break – even if you’re in a car some distance from a shared coffee room. Then it may be about bringing a thermos and taking a break on the way. And to encourage each other to take breaks.
– With planning and freedom for the staff, it should be possible to solve, says Maritha Nordin, head of home care.
The investment has also been noticed by the public. Residents of Härnösand have reported to the municipality that they have seen home care staff sitting calmly in their cars.
– That’s why we thought it’s good to go out and talk about this, says Maritha Nordin.