Birgitta currently works as the CEO of JATC Omsorg. She is a true entrepreneur with many years of experience in training, health, diet, and lifestyle changes. Among other things, Birgitta founded and ran the international chain Itrim.
JATC is a company that operates in the healthcare sector. What are your biggest challenges as a leader in these "Corona times"?
We in healthcare face major challenges during these times. This sector is, to say the least, running at full speed. Our operations have had to adapt very quickly by overstaffing while maintaining quality and safety. This is happening while sick leave has increased, and several of our employees are at home due to quarantines. Another important focus right now is to create extra security within the organization through continuous, clear, and transparent communication. Everyone must feel involved with great commitment and take responsibility beyond the ordinary.
Have any of your clients or employees become ill with Corona? What have you done to protect the people in the business?
So far, none of our clients have become ill or shown symptoms. We were quick to communicate to the organization about the measures and guidelines that apply. We quickly sought help from external expertise. Eva Åberg from Audiendo trained all leaders in holding interactive web meetings, and the Civil Defence trained our organization in crisis preparedness, to name a few partners. In addition, a frequent meeting structure was established for management and follow-up. We continuously communicate the importance of following routines regarding meetings, hygiene, cleaning routines, and "maintaining physical distance". I am incredibly proud that we have so far been able to keep the business "healthy".
You are relatively new as CEO of the business. How have you prioritized the first 100 days?
During the first 100 days, I have familiarized myself with the business and understood how enormously complex it is. We have many stakeholders with completely different needs, such as clients (municipalities), clients (within the LSS law), relatives and guardians, IVO (inspecting authority), and others. I have primarily focused on values, structured work environment efforts, routines and structures, and worked with crisis and contingency plans. I have just finished a clear handbook for each area.
What can other sectors such as IT companies, industrial companies, etc. learn from healthcare?
Diversity and a humane view of people are what I first want to highlight. For us, diversity is everything that makes a person unique, and what power lies in this approach. We are 200 employees with 30 different nationalities. Our oldest employee is 80 years old. We have a deaf girl who works in our finance function, and we have another employee in another department who has autism. The list can be long with wonderful examples of our diversity that provides useful perspective.
The Corona pandemic is severely testing our society and affecting many people severely. At the same time, it gives us important opportunities to reflect and reshape life/work. This can create new habits for a better tomorrow. The only way forward is to help each other and do it together.