Theme: A good working environment – the Nordic region’s strength

Newsletter from the Nordic Labour Journal 7/2017

Photo: Cata Portin

Why working life is key

The thinking surrounding the working environment is changing. Demands for new knowledge and increased productivity, an ageing population and not least the unfathomable costs of a bad working environment are all factors that call for fresh thinking. What works? Paying your way out of the problems, or putting work’s content centre stage? And what happens in the new labour market which is now emerging?

Workplaces must take the ageing workforce into account

When the workforce ages, workplaces face new challenges. This is particularly true for occupations where physical work makes up nearly all of the working day, according to Maria Albin, the keynote speaker at a European high-level conference on the working environment to be held in Bilbao in November.

Pål Molander: The Nordic region must not forget the importance of a good working environment

A good working environment is good for business, says Pål Molander, Director General at the National Institute of Occupational Health. What is more: The Nordic countries have successfully adapted the working environment in the face of a changing labour market. The working environment has been a strength in the past, and must remain so in the future, he says.

First step towards a coalition for safety and health at work

Fresh global statistics from the ILO shows both workplace accidents and work-related disease with fatal consequences increased during the 2010s. This could explain why Finland’s September initiative to make good on all lofty declarations on improved working environments and health got such an enthusiastic welcome around the world.

From soot to sun – the long fight against occupational disease

Has the 250 years’ fight against occupational disease come to its end? Today’s risk factors are not soot, radon or asbestos, says the EU work safety agency. The top risk, is in fact ordinary sunlight.

Danish sharing economy strategy just a first step

The government’s long-awaited sharing economy strategy is a first, small step towards regulating the sharing economy in Denmark, but the social partners agree more needs to be done.

Native language disappearing from Icelandic workplaces

Iceland is experiencing enormous growth. Every year thousands of foreigners arrive to help Icelanders in the labour market. Tourism represents the largest area of growth, but the construction industry has also grown enormously. The English language is increasingly being used within both trades. Many Icelanders are worried about the Icelandic language’s position in the multicultural society.

TBU at 50: Wage formation – the Norwegian model’s unique attribute

The basis for the Norwegian version of the Nordic model is a shared understanding of reality before the parties begin wage negotiations. The result has been few conflicts and narrow pay gaps.

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