The city's work community of the year award was awarded to the decision-making support team.

With the Roikka award, the city recognizes its work community every year, which has exemplary developed its work and doing things together. At the same awards ceremony, the city also awards the Manager of the Year and the Employees of the Year.

"The awards ceremony is one of the highlights of the working year for me. It's great to recognize units and individuals who have persistently developed their work in line with the strategy," says Päivi Ojanen, Human Resources Development Manager.

The awards ceremony was held at the Riihimäki Theatre Hotel today, December 15, 2025. The Work Community of the Year Award, or Roikka Award, was awarded this year to the Decision-Making Support Team in the Administration and Corporate sector. The team is responsible for preparing agendas and minutes for meetings of city institutions such as the City Council and the City Board.

According to the award criteria, the decision-making support team operates quickly and flexibly, serving all departments of the city. The team's work requires continuous development so that processes remain clear and efficient when operating in a wide network. The team's work promotes cooperation between departments, reduces duplicate work and makes the entire organization more efficient.

Roikka Honorary Mention for Early Childhood Education Office

At the awards ceremony, an honorable mention was also presented to another work community, the staff of the early childhood education office.

According to the reasons for the honorable mention, the staff of the early childhood education office is developing methods of operation boldly and promptly in their work. In the past year, the team has significantly promoted digitalization and the introduction of electronic systems. Special praise is given to the positive and communal working atmosphere highlighted by the team.

Employees of the Year 2025

The award for Supervisor of the Year at the celebration was given to Library Director Niina Honko. The following were awarded as Employees of the Year at the celebration:

• designer Anja Koivunurmi-Niemelä
• Employment advisor for foreign speakers Jonne Nieminen
• Water Management Secretary Emilia Ojala
• Joni Okkonen, high school janitor
• Administrative Secretary Minna Tiainen
• Teacher of the Year: Fine Arts Lecturer Liina Arpalahti, Upper Secondary School
• Educator of the Year: early childhood education nurse Valtteri Viljanen, Junailijankatu Daycare Center

All city employees were able to nominate candidates for Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year in September 2025. The awards were presented for the fourth time this year.