The Columbi concept was established in the 1980s, at the time when an increasing interest in work environment issues and how employees feel at their workplaces started to increase. Previously, the focus had been mainly on the physical work environment, but from the 1980s onwards there was an increasing emphasis on psychosocial aspects.
The name derives from the legend about Christopher Columbus, who was challenged to put an egg upright. With a simple but ingenious solution, he managed it – and the “Egg of Columbus" became an expression of smart solutions to difficult problems. Just like our services at Columbi – where we quickly and easily find individual clever answers to complex questions.
Research showed early on that a good psychosocial work environment leads to greater job satisfaction, higher commitment and less sick leave. This, in turn, affects the performance of the entire group. Still important and true today.
The Columbi concept has been well tested and is based on extensive studies in both Sweden and other countries. As the tool is digital, the Columbi method is not limited by language, geography or the number of participants.
From an early stage, the interest increased in measuring the connection between the work/life environment and soft values such as well-being and health. The goal was, and still is, to map the situation and find improvements together with those affected.
The methodology as well as the surveys have evolved over the years, from manual individual surveys to digital and cost-effective solutions for larger groups of people.
Anne Styren: "I saw Columbi back in 2016 and was immediately delighted. The methodology that gives all participants the opportunity to share their personal views on the current situation resonated with me.
When I got the opportunity to acquire the digital tool some years later, the decision was easy to make.
From the very beginning, I realized that the Columbi methodology and the genius of each participant being able to express their own opinion, could be developed further.
I, like most others, have answered a variety of surveys over the years. Few of them are good. The vast majority are based on someone else's areas of interest, filled with questions that address issues not relevant to my situation. Columbi turns the tables by starting from what the respondent wants to say. No influence from anyone else. This aspect – that everyone gets to describe their own experience – is the basis for my interest in Columbi. It is important and valuable to let everyone be heard, freely and on equal terms.
Another bonus of Columbi is that the special digital process is so well suited to different kinds of situations. Columbi can map the employees' perceived work environment, level of cooperation in a group, or how they perceive the leadership behaviour and company culture. Or how people experience the quality of life in healthcare situations. Columbi works!
When you want to know what things are like – for real, how the current situation is experienced - then Columbi is perfect for you!”
