Good work symposium IV: Human, technology, hope

The annual Good Work Symposium brings together researchers, students and working-life actors and developers who all share an interest in the phenomena relating to dignified, socially and ecologically sustainable working life. In 2026, the symposium theme is Human, Technology and Hope. In the morning keynote lectures, the theme will be explored from the perspectives of sociology and practice development. The afternoon programme consists of presentations and discussions by researchers and working-life representatives conducting research on working life at the University of Oulu. The symposium will conclude with a forward-looking discussion that reflects on the themes of the day.
What is the optimal technology?

Event information

Time

Fri 04.09.2026

Venue location

Tellus Backstage, Oulun yliopisto

Location

Linnanmaa

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Invitation to present: You are also welcome to participate in the symposium with your own presentation on research related to working life or on the practical challenges or good practices of your own organisation that could be addressed in the future research. Send max. 300-word summary via the registration form by 17.8.2026 at the latest and prepare to give a 15-minute presentation at the symposium. The presentation can deal with research or development work that has been completed, is in progress or is at the level of an idea. Registration Form: https://link.webropol.com/s/hyva-tyo-symposiumi-iv The keynote lectures in the morning are in Finnish. You can give your presentation in Finnish or English. The discussion can be multilingual.

You can also participate in the day without your own presentation. Due to the facilities and catering, we hope that all participants register by 27.8.2026 at the latest.

The symposium is organised by the Good Work network at the University of Oulu with the support of UniOGS. Doctoral researchers have the opportunity to receive 1-2 ECTS by participating in the symposium, presenting their own research (1 ECTS) and/or writing a reflection diary (1 ECTS) based on the presentations and discussions of the symposium of 2-4 pages.

Welcome!


Program:

8:30–8:45 Breakfast

8:45-9:15 Opening of the symposium: Human, Technology and Hope

9:15–11:30 Speeches and discussion (In Finnish)

  • University researcher Heta Tarkkala (University of Helsinki): Toivo, teknologia ja odotusten sosiologia – synkistelyä ja kritiikkiä
  • Chief researcher Elina Weiste (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health): Hyvän työn tulevaisuus: oppiminen ja toimijuus tekoälyn aikakaudella
  • Professor Anu Kajamaa (University of Oulu): Hyvän työn tulevaisuus: oppiminen ja toimijuus tekoälyn aikakaudella

11:30-12:30 Lunch

12:30-14:30 Parallel working groups

Working ability, experience and socially shared regulation at work (Tellus Frost)

  • Työntekijöiden suhtautuminen työtapojen automatisointiin / Henna Viertola (OY, Teknillinen tiedekunta)
  • Korkeampi työn imu on yhteydessä parempaan työkykyyn ja vähäisempiin eläkeaikeisiin keski-iässä: Pohjois-Suomen syntymäkohortti 1966 -tutkimus / Heli Kiema-Junes, Leena Ala-Mursula, Tomi Koski, Niina Salmela & Mirka Hintsanen (OY, Kasvatustieteiden ja psykologian tiedekunta)
  • Exploring emotional dynamics, socially shared regulation, and adaptation in team learning: Insights from workplace meetings / Niina Palmu, Hanna Järvenoja, Piet Van den Bossche & Sanna Järvelä (OY, Kasvatustieteiden ja psykologian tiedekunta)

Humanity and social sustainability (Tellus Horizon)

  • Ihmisten rooli ideoinnissa ja tiedon luomisessa tietotyössä - tieto, tekoälytyökalut ja leikki / Anna Suorsa (OY, Humanistinen tiedekunta)
  • Humanness in Strategic Change – the Case of a National Health and Social Services Reform / Ilari Nieminen, Sari Laari-Salmela & Tuure Haarjärvi (Oulun yliopiston kauppakorkeakoulu)
  • Kohti sosiaalisesti kestävää digitaalista työtä: Tekoäly, tietokäytännöt ja työntekijäkokemukset kirjasto-organisaatioissa / Teija Keränen (OY, Humanistinen tiedekunta)
  • Eideettinen muuntelu yhteisten mahdollisuuksien tutkimisessa / Teemu Suorsa (OY, Kasvatustieteiden ja psykologian tiedekunta)

14.30–15.30 Coffee and concluding discussion

17.00-18.00 Oulu kylässä -festivaali: Pohjois-Pohjalainen kansanmusiikki liikuttaa (Mannerheiminpuisto)

18.00– Dinner at La Sinfonia restaurant (at your own expense)

Created 28.5.2026 | Updated 21.8.2026