The participants of the anti-racism campaign in Finland are committed to take concrete actions to dismantle racism in our society. Equality and non-discrimination among staff are built through both major initiatives and small everyday actions in our work community. These efforts may not always be visible, but they help create a workplace where everyone can be themselves and be treated with respect. Below are concrete actions that promote equity in our work community.
Working conditions
- Flexible working hours, blended work, and time-off balances support family life.
- International employees are supported in settling in, including help with finding daycare and school placements for children.
- Campus restaurants accommodate special diets related to personal beliefs.
- Quiet rooms are available on both campuses.
Accessibility and prevention of discrimination
- Accessibility and inclusion regardless of personal characteristics such as language, origin, gender or disability are considered on the campus and in teaching and work materials.
- LUT University has zero-tolerance for all forms of harassment. Any reported incidents will be addressed without delay.
Training and awareness
- Equality and non-discrimination training is part of the onboarding process for new employees. Long-term staff are also encouraged to participate.
- Leadership training includes managing diverse teams.
- Training on various themes related to promoting equality and non-discrimination are offered regularly.
Pay and employment terms
- LUT University complies with the general collective agreement for universities in Finland (SIVISTA), which negotiates the working conditions with the trade unions representing the personnel.
- Salary is based on job demands, skills, and performance. The salary system, which is part of the general collective agreement, defines minimum pay levels for different job categories and levels of responsibility.
- Work of equal value is compensated equally, regardless of gender. Pay systems are developed to support equity. Salaries are monitored annually by gender, and any discrepancies are investigated and corrected if necessary.
Decision-making and equity across staff groups
- Working groups and decision-making bodies aim for broad representation across genders and staff groups.
- Before organizational changes or decisions on employee benefits, impacts on different employee groups are assessed.
- Hierarchies and differences in job roles can affect organizational experience - therefore, equity is also promoted between staff groups.
Equality and non-discrimination do not happen by themselves. They are built through every action, decision, and interaction. The basis of our actions is outlined in the Equality and Non-Discrimination Plan of LUT University and LAB University of Applied Sciences. Each of us can make a difference in our work, our teams, and our community.
