The story of Oasis of Radical Wellbeing

Oasis of Radical Wellbeing developed as one of the outcomes of the AllWell? study wellbeing questionnaire. At the same time, elsewhere in Aalto, the need to develop holistic, i.e. community-wide wellbeing was identified. Oasis wants to reach out to the entire university community – students and staff, as well as researchers – and bring out information about wellbeing based on research and expertise. We want to proactively develop the wellbeing of all members of the Aalto community.

What needs does Oasis meet?

The development of holistic wellbeing has been chosen as part of Aalto University's strategy. Oasis of Radical Wellbeing is one of Aalto's projects for holistic well-being.

The results of surveys conducted in Aalto show that study wellbeing will only improve if the wellbeing of the entire community improves. The promotion of wellbeing in Aalto takes place through structural and long-term development work. Good managerial work is also needed.

We believe that the Aalto community must ensure that the individual receives information on how to take care of their own wellbeing so that they are able to act on the issues they consider relevant and valuable.

We all need the skills to function as a member of a group in a way that realizes diversity and provides opportunities for participation as well as safe working and study conditions for all.

In the upcoming years, Aalto will focus strongly on developing inclusive interaction in both teaching and community activities. Inclusive activities aim to pay special attention to minority groups and wellbeing in all situations of life.

The development of equality, diversity and inclusion are key goals at Aalto University. Aalto University is the 36th most international university in the world and our community has members from more than 100 countries. Diversity, equality, accessibility and inclusion are seen in Aalto as cornerstones of wellbeing.

What concrete things does Oasis do?

We develop welfare-related services and improve their accessibility. Based on research, we highlight structural issues that have an impact on the wellbeing of teachers and other staff.

We share information. We strive to increase Aalto's awareness of the issues that create and maintain the wellbeing of the individual as well as the community as a whole. We provide information and ways to develop the operations of Aalto's communities.

We test prototypes and processes for staff welfare services and the production of wellness information, some of which is available to Aalto employees right in the beginning of Oasis.

How do the sense of belonging and wellbeing relate to each other?

There have been projects focusing on study wellbeing in the past, but Oasis of Radical Wellbeing focuses also on the staff and faculty members and develops interaction between teachers and students. The results of the AllWell? study wellbeing survey show that teachers’ wellbeing has a strong link to students’ wellbeing. A well-to-do staff is better able to support students.

Oasis strives to support the development of both research-based knowledge and practical skills. This promotes a sense of wellbeing and togetherness, especially among teachers, advisors and team leaders.

Academic Director: Jani Romanoff, Professor, Vice Dean for Teaching at the School of Engineering.

Project Manager Merita Petäjä, psychologist

The Wellbeing Ambassadors:

Saara Abdi

Elina Saaresto

Josue Magana Moreno

Tua Halen

Production group:

Suvi Helko, Project Specialist

Tiina Pylkkönen, community developer, in collaboration with Häme University of Applied Sciences, of which Viivi Virtanen, PhD, and Juulia Lahdenperä, PhD.

Sakari Heiskanen, producer (17.5 h / week)

Part time:

Minna-Mari Moisio, Head of HR Services,

Ida Salin, HRD Specialist

Tuuli Asunmaa, expert, supervision and student wellbeing,

Sanna Hangelin, Expert, Learning Services (AllWell? Survey)

Academic steering group

Jani Romanoff, chair

Kristiina Mäkelä, provost, professor of international business, Aalto University.

Pilvikki Absetz, professor of public health, University of Tampere

Rebecca Piekkari, Professor of International Business, Aalto University. Founder of the Monta group,

Virpi Liinalaakso, HR specialist, HR Services, Aalto University

Risto Rajala, Professor, Head of Department, Department of Production Management, Aalto University

Esa Saarinen, Professor Emeritus

Saara Maalismaa, Head of Student Services, Aalto University

Mikko Inkinen, study psychologist, head of the psychology group, Aalto University

Riitta Silvennoinen, Vice President, Human Resources, Aalto University

Lauri Jurvanen, influencing expert: social policy, harassment liaison, Aalto University Student Union

Teacher representatives (to be announced)

Read more:

Concrete development targets for Oasis

What is radical wellbeing?

Who are the wellbeing ambassadors?