The staff association of the University of Helsinki, HYHY ry, annually selects the Leader of the Year at the University of Helsinki, and this was the 25th selection. The campaign is traditionally patroned by Chancellor Kaarle Hämeri.
This time, the comprehensive search criterion was inclusive community engagement. Special attention was paid to the supervisor's ability to promote actions following the 2023 workplace wellbeing survey together with employees. Recently, persons in leading positions have faced challenges in coordinating remote and on-site work and ensuring equal participation of international staff.
The staff association of the University of Helsinki, HYHY ry, has chosen Dean Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Viikki, as the Leader of the Year 2024.
Dean Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma is known as an empathic, friendly, and understanding leader who treats others as equals and with genuine respect. He is an approachable and fair leader who supports and solves challenges constructively. Yli-Kauhaluoma has created a positive and future-confident atmosphere in his faculty, which is reflected in excellent workplace wellbeing results.
Yli-Kauhaluoma promotes open communication and collaboration, conveys information understandably, and regularly engages staff in joint discussions. He strengthens community and wellbeing, treats all staff groups equally, and organizes joint events. Yli-Kauhaluoma is well-prepared and situationally aware as a discussion leader, also taking into account international staff.
Yli-Kauhaluoma leads the faculty exemplarily, promoting openness, trust, and team spirit. His door is always open, and he is known for his accessibility and presence. He represents a leadership culture based on trust, human interaction, and advancing the common good. Yli-Kauhaluoma's calm and respectful way of acting makes others feel safe and valued.