Co-Work
Workplace Partner – An Ecosystem for International Collaboration
Come and discover how entrepreneurs and organisations in South Ostrobothnia have onboarded employees who use a different native language than mainly used in the workplace. How can you include an international employee in your team?
Now is the time to ensure your company or organisation knows how to welcome, train and retain international employees and talent. This project helps you with this.
Co‑Work Workplace Partner – An Ecosystem for International Collaboration
The project aims to strengthen employment opportunities for people with immigrant backgrounds in South Ostrobothnia by supporting employers, enhancing international competence, improving practices and creating a shared ecosystem for international collaboration. Through employer training (phase 1, spring 2026), an internationalisation tool and the Co‑Work Workplace Partner Programme (phase 2, starting atumn 2026), the project helps organisations include international talent while enhancing immigrants’ work readiness.
Training Language and Real‑Time English Support
The main language of our trainings is Finnish. However, we will teach you how to follow the content simultaneously in English, or with your own language, using AI‑based translation tools. This allows you to participate, even if Finnish is not your strongest language.
For more info, please contact: Jiri.kirsila@seamk.fi tai 040-830 2092.
Training Language and Real‑Time English Support
The main language of our trainings is Finnish. However, we will teach you how to follow the content simultaneously in English, or with your own language, using AI‑based translation tools. This allows you to participate, even if Finnish is not your strongest language.
Part 1 DIVERSE STRENGTHS IN LEADERSHIP: practical kick‑off
Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service
- Opening: Project Manager Maiju Kinossalo
- Keynote Maarit Tamsi: The diverse foundations of an inclusive and effective workplace community – practical examples. Tamsin Oy.
- Talk by Jaana Koivuluoma: Observations from the grassroots to the executive level. Yhdessä‑toiminnot, Seinäjoki.
- Talk & summary by Maiju Kinossalo: Tools for inclusion and practical technological aids – looking at language issues with fresh eyes.
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Part 2 YOUR COMPANY’S MINDSET AND DEVELOPMENT: what, how and why
Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service
- Facilitation: Team Coach Helena Myllymäki – company cases
- Languages and cultures – what can help?
- How can the Co‑Work Workplace Partner support your workplace in practice?
- Experiences from VETO+ coaching put into action in workplaces! Tuula Mäki‑Fränti, Pohjanmaan Liikunta ja Urheilu PLU ry
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Part 3 WAKE‑UP CALL FOR SOUTH OSTROBOTHNIAN ORGANISATIONS: facts and philosophy
Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service
- Opening & facilitation: Knowledge‑based leadership coach Jiri Kirsilä
- Facts and philosophy: Do we mistake falsehood for truth – or refuse to believe what is true?
- SWOT: regional strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities – snapshot of the international workforce
- Keynote Emilia Kangas: Research‑based insights from South Ostrobothnia on leadership and diversity
- Keynote Mikko Haapoja: Crossing thresholds as a source of strength in the work community – a South Ostrobothnian example. Kerabit Kattoelementit Oy.
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Part 4 A MAGNET FOR THE BEST EMPLOYEES: organisational identity and the recruitment process
Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service
- Opening & facilitation: Jiri Kirsilä and Maiju Kinossalo
- Keynote Paul Fairchild, PNP Crossing Borders: The importance of employer image in recruitment and company introductions
- Practical EURES recruitment solutions, Sanna Davidsson, Työlakeus
- The employee as an integrator, Ulvi Urbel‑Suvanto, Suupohja Employment Area
- Talk by Jiuliano Prisada and Maiju Kinossalo: Integration and social inclusion at work and outside work – what employers should know?
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Part 5 SOUTH OSTROBOTHNIAN STORIES: “päetettihin kokeella itte!”
Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 12 May 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service
Entrepreneurs’ own stories:
- Ahokkaan Automies, Pertti Ahokas
- Hopeapuro, Annika Puroaho (video)
- Pinomatic (video)
- Järvi‑Pohjanmaan yrityspalvelu Oy, EUM POWER, Kirsi Lassila
- Wiise – going Wiiser!
- Summary: How to join the winning team: Co‑Work Workplace Partner as the key player for organisations
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Part 6 THE GEMS OF THE PROGRAMME
Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 13:00–16:00, lunch included
- Participants’ questions and solutions, highlights of the training
- Keynote Aki Ruotsala, Kymppi Employment Area
- Keynote Timo Rantasaari, Wulff Works South Ostrobothnia
- Launch and introduction of the Internationalisation Tool – supporting companies and organisations in practice
By attending at least five sessions, your organisation will receive the Pioneer Badge.
Details on the exact locations and content of the trainings will be confirmed closer to the date. We reserve the right to make changes.
Be a frontrunner. Build a workplace that knows how – and dares – to include. You’ll attract the best employees before anyone else.
A Pioneer in the Changing World of Work
Prepare for what’s coming – and stand out now.
Working life is changing, and international talent is already here. With us as your partner, you gain the knowledge, support and tools that help your company or organisation distinguish itself. We help you build a workplace where diversity becomes a competitive advantage.
Our services for you and your work community
PHASE 1 Confidence in Leading an Internationalising Workplace
We offer a free training programme that builds your confidence and competence in leading a workplace that is becoming more international.
This leadership‑level and HR‑focused training starts on 10 March. You can register above.
The training provides you with practical tools to lead a diverse work community with courage and effectiveness.
PHASE 2 Co‑Work Workplace Partner – a practical extra pair of hands for the early stage
When a new employee does not share the same native language – we are here to help.
We are training Co‑Work Workplace Partners across the region to support you and your team when an international employee starts at your workplace. A Co‑Work Workplace Partner provides hands‑on support during onboarding and in day‑to‑day work – on site, in practice, and as a person who understands language and cultural questions. The Co‑Work Workplace Partner qualification is also a valuable competence that helps you stand out professionally. This phase will begin with a pilot in autumn 2026.
What would suit you best?
Would you like to train as a Co‑Work Workplace Partner yourself?
Is there someone in your work community who would benefit from this competence?
Or would you prefer support from a Co‑Work Workplace Partner in your local employment area?
South Ostrobothnian Co‑Work Workplace Partner Network – an ecosystem for international collaboration
Stronger together – support, expertise and continuity.
You will become part of the Co‑Work Workplace Partner Network, which is expanding across South Ostrobothnia. As a member of the network, you will receive peer support and guidance led by an expert in international collaboration. You can choose your own level of participation.
The network offers:
- an inter‑organisational, shared foundation to support the inclusion of international employees,
- the opportunity to strengthen your organisation’s intercultural competence,
- joint meetings and workshops where challenging questions and best practices are shared,
- peer support and training for Co‑Work Workplace Partners, and
- ongoing support and continuous skills development.
South Ostrobothnia’s future cannot rely solely on local talent.
The number of working‑age people is decreasing, birth rates are falling, and the skills shortage is growing (MDI, Immigration Snapshot of South Ostrobothnia 2025). Our region gains population only through immigration. This is the reality we see. How will we act accordingly?
Changes in population structure affect every one of us, as well as every business. Ignoring this will push the whole region out of the competition. If we want to stay ahead of the curve, we must know how to include everyone who comes here to work.
“The future does not reward those who merely see it, but those who act on what they see.”
Observations alone do not create change, and thinking without action will not transform reality.
— Risto Siilasmaa (2025, Nordic Business Forum)
Project name: Co‑Work Workplace Partner – An Ecosystem for International Collaboration
Implemented by SEAMK.
In cooperation with the South Ostrobothnian employment areas, the South Ostrobothnia Wellbeing Services County, and the South Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development.
Employers and other organisations across the region are also involved.
The activities are co‑funded by the European Union as an ESF+ project under Priority 4: An Employing, Skilled and Inclusive Finland, with a specific objective in theme 4.1. Pathways to Employment.
Project implementation period with project funding: 1 August 2025 – 31 December 2027
Funding authority: Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Central Finland (ELY Centre).
Total funding: €441,801
Project number: S31387
In Finnish:
MITÄ?
MIKSI?
MITEN?
Esimerkkejä aikaisemmin havaituista hyvistä käytänteistä. Co-Workin omat käytänteet julkaistaan tällä sivulla niiden valmistuttua.
- Miksi ei Fundão? Portugalilaisen pikkukaupungin menestysopit Etelä-Pohjanmaalle
- Maailmalta tuttu ja tehokas malli SEAMKin yritysyhteistyöhön
LUKUSUOSITUKSIA:
Read more: https://www.seamk.fi/en/aboutus/operating-methods-and-principles/language-and-culture-aware-seamk/
Privacy Policy
Please read SeAMK’s general data protection notice in more detail:
Privacy Policy Statement
Articles 13 and 14 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Data Protection Act (1050/2018)
Date prepared: 24 April 2026
Combined information document for data subjects pursuant to Articles 13 and 14 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
- Data Controller
Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences Ltd (SeAMK)
Kampusranta 11, Frami F
60320 Seinäjoki, Finland
Tel. +358 20 124 3000
seamk(at)seamk.fi
2. Person Responsible for the Register (Controller’s Representative)
Maiju Kinossalo
2a. Person Responsible for the Register
Maiju Kinossalo
2b. Contact Person for Register‑Related Matters
Maiju Kinossalo
maiju.kinossalo@seamk.fi
2c. Data Protection Officer – Contact Details
Data Protection Officer: Jarmo Jaskari
Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Tel. +358 40 868 0680
tietosuojavastaava(at)seamk.fi
3. Name of the Register
Co‑Work Workplace Partner – An Ecosystem for International Collaboration
Project number S31387
Participant register, participant data, baseline and final surveys
4. Purpose of Processing Personal Data / Purpose of the Register
Personal data are processed in the project for the following purposes:
- implementation of baseline and final surveys and evaluation of project impact and outcomes (e.g. pre‑ and post‑measurements)
- enabling participation in project trainings and events
- communication with project participants
- reporting to the funding authority (EU / ESF+ (ESR+))
Personal data are not used for automated decision‑making or profiling.
Baseline and final surveys conducted within the project are mainly anonymous. A respondent acting as a representative of an organisation may, on a voluntary basis, provide contact details if they wish to receive feedback on how their organisation’s competence has developed between the beginning and end of the project.
Personal data collected through participation forms or separate registration messages are used to manage practical arrangements related to training registration. Invitations and related communications are sent to participants by email.
5. Legal Basis for Maintaining the Register
The processing of personal data is based on consent (GDPR Article 6(1)(a)).
Participants are requested to give consent for their responses in baseline and final surveys to be collected and used for the purposes described in section 4.
The legal bases for processing personal data are:
- performance of a task carried out in the public interest, as the project is a publicly funded development project
- consent, when explicitly requested (e.g. in connection with surveys)
5a. Data Content of the Register
The project may process the following categories of personal data:
- name
- email address
- organisation and role (e.g. employer, entrepreneur, student)
- participation data (e.g. participation in trainings and events)
- survey responses (e.g. experiences, views and competence).
Surveys are implemented so that results are reported at group or aggregate level, and individual respondents or organisations cannot be identified from reports or publications.
5b. Information Systems Used to Process Data
Register data are processed in the Webropol survey system, which is used to collect responses to baseline and final surveys.
When survey data are transferred from the Webropol system for further processing, the data are pseudonymised and stored in SEAMK’s internal SharePoint cloud service. During the analysis phase, data are processed without direct identifiers.
Pseudonymisation applies to respondents who have voluntarily provided contact details for follow‑up related to their organisation’s competence development.
Participant data related to project trainings and events are stored in SeAMK’s SharePoint cloud service.
6. Regular Sources of Data
Personal data are obtained from the data subject via the Webropol survey form.
In addition, the data subject may provide participation information directly to project staff, for example via email or other personal communication (e.g. private message), in which case the data are stored in the project’s participant register.
7. Regular Disclosure of Data
Register data are not routinely disclosed to external parties.
8. Transfer of Data Outside the EU or EEA
Personal data are not transferred outside the European Union or the European Economic Area (EU/EEA).
9. Principles of Register Protection
The Webropol system operates within the EU/EEA, and all personal data processing takes place within this area.
A. Manual Data
Baseline and final survey data are transferred from the Webropol system to SEAMK’s SharePoint cloud service within two calendar weeks after the survey closes.
Survey data are processed in an anonymised form so that individual respondents or organisations cannot be identified during analysis or reporting. Any identifying data are separated from survey responses prior to further processing.
Any separate linkage or identification data (e.g. voluntarily provided contact details for organisation‑level follow‑up) are stored separately from survey responses. Linkage data are stored in paper format in a locked cabinet in a locked room with access restricted to project staff and protected by electronic access control.
B. Electronically Processed Data
Data are collected in the Webropol survey system, which is protected by user IDs and passwords. Access rights are restricted solely to project staff who require access to the data for their work tasks.
Data are stored on servers located within the EU/EEA, and appropriate technical and organisational data security measures are in place.
Anonymised survey data and participant data related to project trainings and events are stored in SeAMK’s SharePoint cloud service. Survey data are deleted from the Webropol system once the data have been transferred and processed for the purposes of the project.
10. Rights of the Data Subject
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 grants data subjects the following rights:
Right to withdraw consent
The data subject has the right to withdraw their consent at any time (Article 7).
Right of access
The data subject has the right to obtain confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning them are being processed and, if so, access to those data. A fee may be charged or access may be refused if requests are manifestly unfounded or excessive, particularly if repetitive (Articles 12 and 15).
Right to rectification
The data subject has the right to request correction of inaccurate personal data (Article 16). Requests must be made in writing.
Right to erasure
The data subject has the right to request erasure of personal data if one of the following applies (Article 17):
- the personal data are no longer needed for the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed
- the data subject withdraws consent and there is no other legal basis for processing
- the data subject objects to processing and there are no overriding legitimate grounds (Article 21)
- the personal data have been processed unlawfully
- the personal data must be erased to comply with a legal obligation under EU or Member State law
Right to restriction of processing
The data subject has the right to restrict processing if one of the following applies (Article 18):
- the accuracy of the personal data is contested, pending verification
- processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes erasure and requests restriction instead
- the controller no longer needs the data, but the data subject requires them for legal claims
- the data subject has objected to processing under Article 21, pending assessment of overriding grounds
Right to data portability
The data subject has the right to receive the personal data they have provided to the controller in a machine‑readable format where processing is based on consent and carried out by automated means (Article 20).
Requests regarding these rights should be addressed to:
Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Data Protection Officer
P.O. Box 412 (Kampusranta 11 F)
60320 Seinäjoki, Finland
11. Rectification of Errors
The controller must, without undue delay, rectify, erase or supplement personal data that are inaccurate, unnecessary, incomplete or outdated with regard to the purpose of processing.
Upon discovering an error, the person responsible for register matters must correct the error immediately or inform the person authorised to do so. The data subject has the right to request correction, which will be carried out without undue delay. If correction is refused, a written refusal certificate will be issued.
The data subject has the right to refer the matter to the Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman, P.O. Box 315, 00181 Helsinki, Finland. The Data Protection Ombudsman may order the controller to rectify the data.
Correction requests can be submitted in writing or verbally to the person responsible for register matters, and the data subject’s identity may be verified if necessary.
In other cases, correction requests should be addressed to:
Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Data Protection Officer Jarmo Jaskari
P.O. Box 412 (Kampusranta 11)
60101 Seinäjoki, Finland
12. Other Rights Related to the Processing of Personal Data
Verification of identity
If the person requesting information is not previously known or their identity cannot otherwise be verified, they must prove their identity before data are disclosed. Identity may be verified using an official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport, police‑issued ID card or Kela card.
Prohibition of disclosure of address details
The data subject has the right to prohibit disclosure of their personal address details from the Population Information System.
Act on the Population Information System and the Population Register Centre’s Certificate Services (661/2009), Chapter 4, Sections 28–50a, concerning public access to and disclosure of population data, including:
- for direct marketing, distance selling and other direct marketing
- for address services
- for personal directories
- for genealogical research.
Prohibition of disclosure for the above purposes must be requested from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Once the prohibition enters into force, address data will no longer be disclosed to the university via address services. A data subject who chooses not to provide address details bears responsibility for any disadvantages resulting from being unreachable.
Non‑disclosure for safety reasons
If a person has a justified reason to believe that their own or their family’s safety is at risk, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency may, upon request, decide that their municipality or address details may not be disclosed to parties other than authorities. A written, justified request or a personal visit to the agency is required. A safety‑based non‑disclosure order is valid for a maximum of five years initially and may be extended in two‑year increments.
A person subject to a non‑disclosure order must inform the person responsible for register matters if necessary.
Restraining order
A restraining order means that a person may be prohibited from contacting another person in order to protect their life, health, liberty or peace. Anyone who reasonably feels threatened or harassed may apply for a restraining order. Applications are submitted either to the police or directly to the district court.
A person subject to a restraining order must inform the person responsible for register matters if necessary.
