Took a study break at Mingel

Daina Austad, Ingeborg Sletten, Nora Louise Steine and Charlotte Mæland came to Vinbaren on the Inner Quay together. All four are nursing students at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), but none of them had attended Mingel before.

— We came to socialise and take a break from studying, they said before the programme began.

They were curious both about the concept and about the evening’s partner.

— We’re excited to see what the evening has in store and to hear what Helse Fonna has to offer, the students said.

Highlighted the working environment

Mingel is organised by Welcome Hub Haugalandet, which is part of Haugaland Vekst’s work to make the region more attractive to new residents and employees. Each Mingel event is held in collaboration with companies and organisations in the region – this time with Helse Fonna.

Dida Hauge, Head of Occupational Health Services and HSE at Helse Fonna, used the opportunity to talk about the working environment and psychological safety.

She emphasised that a good working environment is about far more than social activities and pleasant meeting places at work.

— The working environment is about how we organise, plan and carry out our work. We spend a lot of time at work, so how we experience our workplace matters, Hauge said.

According to Hauge, psychological safety means that employees should be able to ask questions, challenge ideas, ask for help and admit mistakes without fear of being humiliated or facing negative reactions.

That does not mean everyone should always agree.

— It’s not about being nice all the time. Honest feedback, including critical feedback, is important when it is given with respect and with a genuine desire to learn and improve, she said.

In healthcare, such a culture can also have an impact far beyond employee wellbeing. Hauge pointed out that openness, respect and psychological safety are linked to areas including patient safety and the working environment for employees.

Important to be visible

Helse Fonna is one of the largest employers in the region, and Hauge believes it is therefore natural for the health trust to take part in Mingel.

— It is incredibly important that we are present as well. Here, we meet both people who have moved to the region and people who may be at a stage where they are considering new career opportunities, she said.

Hauge has personal experience of moving to a new country and building a new network. She came to Norway more than 20 years ago.

That experience makes her appreciate the fact that there are now meeting places where new residents can connect with others.

— When people come here, having the opportunity to build new relationships is absolutely essential, Hauge said.

After the presentation, the afternoon continued with playful activities and mingling around the tables at Vinbaren.