SOL Cleaning Service Helsinki, Finland SOL, which means “sun” in the Finnish language, is a cleaning and garbage disposal company in Helsinki. SOL is a division of the ninth oldest family-run conglomerate in Finland. When Liisa Joronen took over the cleaning division three years ago, she quickly discarded the well-recognized company name. The traditional company was transformed into an unique organization, which succeeded to grow quickly even during the slow economy. The transformation started with the president’s simple questions. “Why does an office have to look like an office?” “Why does a low level employee try not to use his mind, and why does a high level employee try not to use his muscles?” With the belief that what is best for the worker is best for the company, the workers were given an opportunity to design the office and their working styles. As a result, three basic principles were developed. First, workers would choose their hours, since they would be evaluated by results they produce. Next, workers would choose the optimal place to work. Last, since respect for the managers should be based on the quality of their work and not by having secretaries or offices, these status symbols would be eliminated The office, a converted photography studio, reflects numerous ideas of the workers. Wireless phones and office bags are located at the entrance. Workers carry this bag to a location in the office, to their home, or to another office. There are several types of workplaces at the office, including a typical workstation, a more private work area, and a smoker’s work area. Technologies such as wireless phones and telecommunication networks enabled this type of flexible office to function. But equally as important was the enthusiasm of the workers themselves. The new SOL office is one-third of the size of a typical office and the running cost was significantly reduced.           Location: Helsinki, Finland     Move-In Date: 1992     Floor Area: 490m2     Workforce: 2,800     Building Design: N/A     Interior Design: N/A     Interview Date: 1994.11