Supervisors at the frontline of work ability support

Sofigate is a leading business technology company in the Nordics with over 800 specialists. The company implements extensive change management projects for its customers with the help of leading business technologies and AI.

Cognitively demanding specialist work makes it important to tackle work ability challenges as early as possible — even before the first sickness-related absence. Over ten years of cooperation with Mehiläinen has helped to build an operating model that has shifted the focus from the management of sickness-related absences to proactive management of work ability.

Specialist work is cognitively demanding, which is why the work ability of personnel is also a business-related issue for Sofigate. During the COVID pandemic, challenges related to work ability and long absences began to become more apparent than before. This prompted the company to look for new ways to support work ability.

"Our people are the driving force behind our business. That’s why the management of work ability has always been an important priority for us," says HR Director Linda Alamäki from Sofigate.

Early support as part of everyday life

Sofigate’s early support model aims to address potential challenges related to work ability based on the first signs. Data helps to identify, for example, the accumulation of short absences, but it is equally important to notice changes in the employee’s behaviour, performance or coping.

Supervisors and HR play a key role in the model. Above all, the management of work ability is seen as management supported by occupational health care with its own expertise.

"Often, early-stage work ability issues are not even visible to occupational health care services. I always say that supervisors are at the forefront of supporting work ability," says Tuuli Mustonen, Chief Occupational Health Physician at Mehiläinen Bulevardi.

Mehiläinen’s occupational health team has a strong understanding of Sofigate’s industry and the specific demands of specialist work, making it easier to find solutions. Occupational health negotiations can quickly get to the essentials when the parties are familiar with the operating environment and its requirements.

"The most important thing is to create a feeling that it's okay for your work ability to fluctuate from time to time. Things happen in life, and your work can be adapted to your needs," says Senior People & Culture Lead Aino Kanerva.

Long-term absences have decreased

Sofigate and Mehiläinen have been working together for more than 10 years. The long-term partnership has built strong trust between the parties, but the effects of the cooperation can also be seen in the practical results.

Mental health-related absences have decreased, and the number of long sickness-related absences in particular has been reduced. In some situations, it has been possible to avoid absences completely when the content of the work and work arrangements have been reviewed at an early stage.

"We have been able to think about the content of work and the possibilities to organise the work before sickness-related absences have even become necessary. This is a significant result for our business, as it helps us get our people back into working life," says Linda Alamäki.

The aim is not only to react to sickness-related absences, but to identify situations that affect work ability before they occur.

"This genuinely is an early support model."

See Sofigate's customer reference. Reference published 9/2026.