Hrafnista is the home of individuals where the emphasis is on creating a warm, homely and safe environment. Hrafnista's philosophy is the heart of the activity, but at the same time, we work systematically on certain projects across all Hrafnist homes, which are intended to improve the working environment and develop the service.
In the fall of 2025, a decision was made to make Hrafnista a phone-free home starting in February 2026. the decision was not made by chance, but was based on clear indications that staff phone use was beginning to have a negative impact on the service This was demonstrated both in the results of a service survey, in conversations with residents and relatives, and in workplace analyses. Reducing phone use creates more space for what matters most - human relationships, listening and professional care.
The Símaus home project began with an analysis of the results of a service survey, which stated that the private use of telephone by staff during working hours had a negative effect on residents and relatives. In response, a working group was established and a survey was sent out to staff on telephone use. The results revealed dissatisfaction among staff regarding the use of telephones by colleagues and laid the foundation for wider changes.
Focus groups with staff from different roles analyzed daily workflows, challenges and possible solutions, and subsequently the managers of all households came together to discuss implementation Based on this, it was decided to establish clear work rules for private telephone use in areas where service recipients stay, such as in nursing wards, corridors and in dining halls To meet the personal needs of staff, special areas of the „Port“ are defined where staff can sit down and take important personal calls.
The service survey also drew attention to loneliness and reduced social activity among the population. A project group on social activity was therefore founded and has developed and started the implementation of diverse resources in all Hrafnista's homes to increase social activity. Among the actions is increased education for staff about the importance of social needs, a weekend program in all Hrafnista departments, better arrangement at a dinner table to support conversations and the relationship between the population, increased number of activity representatives, improved dissemination of information about the population, for example by creating so-called Heart Blades and life history, improvements in activity wagons and training of staff in communication and socializing with residents. Furthermore, communication cards were developed to support chatting, relationships and increased social activity of the residents. The communication cards are part of a master's study in a practical behavior analysis at Reykjavík University, which Sara Dögg Ólafsdóttir carried out in collaboration with Hrafnista. The study examined how targeted training of staff affects communication with residents. With a method called „Teach-Back“ the quality of communication and the results of the residents increased.
The communication cards are intended as a simple and accessible aid to start conversations and create more opportunities for communication in everyday work They contain four categories of questions where each question consists of an initial question and a follow-up question that supports deeper and more meaningful communication Staff are encouraged to use the cards in a flexible way, improvise around the questions and adapt them to the situation at any given time, so that the communication becomes both normal and personal.
In the context of the Simalaus Home project, social activity related tasks such as cards play an important role as a practical resource that supports desired behavior at work, can make it easier for staff to start communication, make better use of moments to get to know the population and be present. This not only reduces phone use, but also increases behavior that has a positive effect on experience and quality of life.
In the project about Simalaus Home, we were inspired by Netvís„ “Lítupp„ effort“ and videos were recorded that were intended as a reminder of how residents and relatives can experience the private use of phones by staff. The videos also showed how great the moments with residents, staff and relatives can be when everyone is "on site" We got excellent staff to act in the videos and they were published on the company's internal communication medium along with other posts that were intended to make staff think about phone use inside and outside the workplace. In addition, Netvís had training for staff on the effects of phone use on various aspects of life.
Together, these changes contribute to reducing unnecessary telephone use during working hours and greatly increasing the presence, conversation and quality of life of residents The project shows how clear policies, education and simple aids can create a warm and safe environment for all.
In the attached photo is the working group that led the project Símaus home: Fv Signý Arnórsdóttir human resources consultant, Lilja Harðardóttir human resources consultant, Signý Ólafdóttir project manager and Jóhanna Gilsdóttir behaviorist.
