New contract and a boost for social sustainability at Harbitz Torg
With the new contract at Harbitz Torg, not only is the collaboration renewed - but also the commitment to well-being and social sustainability in the workplace.
Foto: Silje Reistad
Publisert
Since its opening in 2020, we have had the pleasure of running the reception, cleaning, coworking, staff restaurant and coffee bar in this building
The collaboration with the property owner Møller Eiendom has been close and good - which a recently signed 5-year extension of the contract is clear proof of. Every day we serve lunch to around 800 people, and with a team of 24 dedicated Compass employees, together with our VTA (Varig Tilrettelagt Arbeid) candidates, we ensure that all services in the building flow seamlessly.
Site manager Martin Jensen is one of our dedicated YTE managers, and through close collaboration with OsloKollega, several VTA participants have been given an important role in everyday life at Harbitz. One of them is Melisa, who some may remember from the Room for Success episode from Kristian Augustsgate 23.
- We're very pleased to be continuing our collaboration with the landlord for another five years, and we're all very happy at Harbitz," says Martin.
Foto: Silje Reistad
Rethinking inclusion
- "I've long been interested in how we can help more people get the opportunity to participate in working life. Many people are excluded, and it's not necessarily about skills, but about facilitation and the opportunity to get to know the workplace at their own pace," says Martin.
After a visit to OsloKollega and their model at the Lambertseter home, he was inspired to "job-create" new roles at Harbitz, with specific tasks that can free up time for others and provide real value for the team.
- It's about seeing qualities, not limitations. By creating positions that suit the individual, we get people who really add something - and who feel a sense of mastery and belonging.
Foto: Silje Reistad
Meetings with meaning
Melisa now works as a barista at Harbitz. She combines it with one day a week at =Kaffe and has an infectious enthusiasm for the profession.
- I'm having fun here!
- The whole team at Harbitz makes you feel genuinely included, not just in words, but in actions," says Camilla Berg Johnsen from OsloKollega. She has followed Melisa closely and clearly sees what a good working environment means.
- Melisa lives for Mondays. That says it all! I've never met anyone who has such a big dream of becoming a barista. She's technically skilled, humble and has an infectious sense of humor. She inspires us with the way she meets the world," says Camilla.
Anders also really enjoys his job.
- I love being here and have a great time. This is the best place I've ever worked," he says.
Values at work
- Work for all is an important cause for me, and here at Harbitz I see it actually being put into practice," says Sara from OsloKollega.
- It's professionally strong, warm and genuine. We've been welcomed with open arms from day one
Small steps, great value
Foto: Silje Reistad
At Harbitz, the VTA participants work with everything from cleaning and checking control photos to washing tables before lunch. The tasks are adapted individually, and the supervisors from OsloKollega have gradually stepped down the follow-up as the participants have become more confident in their roles.
- There is no fixed template, but we spend time creating the course together. It gives you confidence, and eventually you can stand on your own two feet," says Sara from OsloKollega.
An inspiration for others
Collaboration with OsloKollega has not only led to permanent positions, it has also given Martin and his team a professional and human boost.
- We see that this works. We hope more site managers will be inspired and consider how social sustainability can become a natural part of their operations. You have to dare to try, and be aware that it requires something. But if you do it properly, you'll get employees who really want to be there, and who contribute much more than just the task they are set to do.
Samarbeidet med OsloKollega har ikke bare ført til varige stillinger, det har også gitt Martin og teamet hans et faglig og menneskelig løft.
– Vi ser at dette virker. Vi håper flere site managere lar seg inspirere og vurderer hvordan sosial bærekraft kan bli en naturlig del av driften. Man må tørre å prøve, og være klar over at det krever noe. Men hvis man gjør det ordentlig, får man arbeidstakere som virkelig ønsker å være der, og som bidrar med mye mer enn bare oppgaven de er satt til å gjøre.