Work environment, equal conditions, and gender equality

Our Work Environment Efforts

Work environment efforts at Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) cover several areas: organizational, social, and physical work environments. BTH works systematically with the work and study environment within these areas.

In practice, this means counteracting discrimination and offensive treatment, preventing ill health and accidents, creating a workplace free from alcohol and drugs while supporting those in need, adapting the workplace for employees with limited work capacity, ensuring accessibility for all staff, and assisting employees in returning to work.

Policy for Work Environment, Equal Opportunities, and Gender Equality

BTH carries out systematic work to ensure a safe, inclusive, and sustainable work environment. The policy for work environment, equal opportunities, and gender equality pdf, 187.6 kB. sets the direction and goals for the long-term development of BTH’s work environment. BTH’s approach to creating and maintaining a sustainable work environment is based both on complying with relevant legislation, such as the Work Environment Act, the Discrimination Act, and regulations from the Swedish Work Environment Authority, and on the active participation of everyone working and studying at BTH.

Work Environment and Gender Equality as Part of Sustainable Development

As part of sustainable development, BTH follows its sustainability policy, where work environment and gender equality are key focus areas. BTH’s vision is to create a better world through knowledge, competence, and innovation within digitalization and sustainability, with a mission to promote sustainable development in its operations. This means ensuring that current and future generations enjoy a healthy and good environment, economic and social welfare, and fairness.

The section on work environment and gender equality emphasizes that BTH actively promotes these areas, both as standalone issues and as an integrated part of sustainability efforts.

Learn more about work environment and gender equality as part of sustainable development here.

Gender Mainstreaming

Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) works systematically to integrate gender equality across all activities, including education, research, and the framework of the organization. By developing processes and goals, BTH contributes to national and international gender equality objectives.

The work is guided by the annual Gender Equality Plan (Jäp), which is based on results from the previous year and a gap analysis between the current situation and the desired state. Each initiative has a responsible person, is continuously monitored, and reported in the annual report.

For the period 2023–2025, BTH focuses on identifying and addressing gender inequality issues within the university’s core activities. The strategic approach aims to:

• Address gender inequality issues through concrete measures.
• Promote gender equality in line with Sweden’s gender equality policy, the EU’s Agenda 2030, and BTH’s vision:
  “A better world through knowledge, competence, and innovation within digitalization and sustainability.”

Read more about Gender Mainstreaming here.

Zero Tolerance for Discrimination, Harassment, Offensive Treatment, Threats, and Violence

BTH’s work and study environment shall promote equal rights and opportunities for all employees and students, regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, ethnic background, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, or age.

BTH therefore has zero tolerance for discrimination, offensive treatment, threats and violence, harassment, sexual harassment, and reprisals.