Newsmail #51, 2023-02-24

Dear all,

Since my last Newsmail, I note an increase in the presence of people in our buildings. I want to thank you for that immediate response. We have already asked to increase the size of the fruit baskets… An immediate measure, a KPI, of our presence would be the time it takes before the last banana is grabbed.

At a faculty meeting on Wednesday, we looked at the result of the MMK overall employee survey, a questionnaire that was distributed to employees a few weeks ago. Breakdowns on unit level, with comparisons on department level, will be presented and discussed at unit meetings. Please look at the surveys and discuss what we can improve, and how.

On Wednesday, the school faculty met with the new rector. It was an inspiring meeting, several issues got clarified. It’s clear that we’ll see drastic measures on how the cost of our facilities will be reduced and we can expect changes in the organization, such as shift of responsibilities from KTH level to school- and department level.

Today marks exactly one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I want to use this opportunity to emphasize how we meet and treat each other. We have several colleagues who are from Ukraine, from Russia, from other countries. I cannot fathom how difficult it must be to be in Sweden, having family and friends in either of these countries, with the respective challenges this poses. We also have colleagues with other challenges. What we can do is to treat each other with respect and care. Never be afraid to ask how your colleague feel.

With that said, I am myself gearing up for a week of vacation. I will be away all of next week. I know many people take this opportunity, since the public schools in Stockholm are closed next week. So don’t take next week’s surplus of bananas as a negative sign, after next week, the bananas will disappear in a flash.

If you also plan a vacation next week – I wish you a nice vacation, I hope you turn off your phone and email.

If you plan to work – please enjoy the bananas.

Best,

Martin