Helsinki moves to boost coronavirus readiness

The coronavirus outbreak has dramatically changed the City of Helsinki’s services. Many municipal activities have been temporarily closed, while in other areas, the need for more workers has increased significantly, said a press release.

The city wants to use all means available to avoid layoffs at this time of uncertainty.

Helsinki has therefore decided to set up a dedicated Skills Bank to direct the existing skills and work input of its employees to areas where they can offer the best assistance.

“The City of Helsinki’s employees have a diverse array of experience and expertise. I encourage municipal workers to consider how they can be of help in this extraordinary situation. It is important at this time that we work together as a community, show that we are flexible, and find the courage to step up and be of service where we are needed,” said City Mayor Jan Vapaavuori.

The city’s managers and supervisors will assess the work situation of their employees to make note of people who are not currently working at full capacity.

These workers will be asked to register with the Skills Bank so that the city can potentially utilise their talents in other parts of the organisation. City employees will be reassigned to different tasks for a maximum of eight weeks.