Which aspects of your work/function do you appreciate the most?

I appreciate the possibility to influence my work and have the freedom to develop processes, that might need some improvement. I also appreciate university as a working environment, it is an infinite source of new knowledge and enthusiasm for me.

What do you consider as the most important impacts of your work?

My work is to support researchers to get funding for their research. So my impact is helping researchers to create impact. My biggest achievement has been the development of the University of Oulu Impact Helper online guide, which makes impact more approachable for researchers and my colleagues in various support functions.

What aspects of your workplace do you perceive as supportive in order to be motivated?

During the long remote work period, I noticed how important meeting colleagues face to face was. All the little chats in the corridor or in the coffee room inspire and motivate me. Of course a positive atmosphere is a great motivator. Sometimes even the not-so-positive “we’re in this together” kind of peer support can be motivating. Appreciation is also good source of motivation.

What would your ideal workday look like?

On my ideal work day I arrive at work biking in the sunshine (after a good night’s sleep), have a cup of coffee with my colleagues and go through ongoing tasks (and latest gossip) with them. After that I would have enough time to prepare myself for my meetings with the researchers and do my tasks, without having to feel busy. Towards the end of the day, I would look at the next day’s calendar and the to-do list, all tranquil. I would then go home and forget work for the rest of the day.