Four Reykjavík preschools ranked in the top five model workplaces in the city. These preschools are: Rauðhóll, which placed second in the large workplace category, and Lyngheimar (1st), Gullborg (2nd) and Álftaborg (4th) in the medium-sized workplace category. Lyngheimar preschool was named Institution of the Year in its category.
Staff from the preschool office of the Department of Education & Youth visited the preschools and brought cake and flowers to celebrate their achievement. During these visits, they also gathered interesting information about what makes these workplaces so exceptional.
Gullborg - open and honest communication
Rannveig Anna Ólafsdóttir, preschool director at Gullborg, says the staff make the preschool a model institution, which is why she emphasizes staff well-being above all else. "When staff are happy, it spreads to the children and extends to the parents. Gullborg has excellent staff, and our communication is open and honest. Everyone works together here. For example, we held a staff meeting this fall where we discussed what could be improved and how we can work better together," says Rannveig Anna, who recommends such meetings where everyone has a chance to express themselves.
Rauðhóll - parents contribute to the success
Guðrún Sólveig, preschool director at Rauðhóll, says their strength lies in their human resources and a culture where staff are always learning and strengthening their professional skills. "The learning community and professional development have made Rauðhóll a model workplace. In January 2007, when administrators first met, we held a strategic planning meeting about how we wanted to work. The conclusion from this meeting was that we wanted play to be the main focus and that we would follow the children's ideas. The day's activities would be based on the child's ideas.“
"We also addressed external organization, such as making clocks not visible. Food would not be brought into divisions where children's play was the main focus, as we didn't want to interrupt their play. Staff coffee breaks were also scheduled to follow rest time. This Rauðhóll philosophy is our common thread throughout our work, and we've participated in several development projects to strengthen our professional practice," says Guðrún Sólveig, adding that parents have participated in the program and also play a major role in its success. Rauðhóll has grown significantly since opening in 2007. Initially an 88-child preschool, by 2012 it had expanded to serve 216 children across three locations.
Lyngheimar - praise, feedback and clear goals
What's mentioned in connection with the positive workplace culture at Lyngheimar preschool is that children, staff and parents are all treated with respect. The building also has a good, positive spirit with emphasis on a warm and friendly atmosphere. Preschool director Kristín Helgadóttir says it's also important that people speak positively about the workplace, staff, children and parents. "Staff are participants in professional work, have a voice, and human resources are utilized so everyone can develop professionally."
Other factors mentioned as reasons for their success:
- Staff are encouraged to take initiative.
- We emphasize making the preschool cozy, beautiful and attractive.
- Praise and feedback, with consideration for staff and their well-being.
- Good information flow, clear objectives.
- Low staff turnover, strong core of educated teachers.
- Managers show respect for employees, speak to them respectfully, care about their welfare and are accessible. They have their finger on the pulse. They have great ambition on behalf of the school.
Álftaborg - stability, joy and humor
At Álftaborg, various factors were identified that make the preschool a good workplace. Anna Hjördís Ágústsdóttir, preschool director, points to staff dedication where interest and professionalism for children's welfare are crucial. She also mentions stability, joy and humor as important factors, as well as having straightforward communication and addressing issues immediately, for which they are all responsible. "Embrace – Smile at, trust and see your staff. With this, at least half the battle is won.“
Other important factors in fostering a good atmosphere at Álftaborg:
- Show interest in each other, listen, respect, follow your heart and work with love.
- Self-belief and the courage to trust.
- Praise and encourage one another.
- The foundation of everything is communication with all groups that make a good school better. We can build palaces if the foundation is good, and that foundation is communication.
