Goal 4: Further promote and support a good and secure working environment that is adapted to both the new and existing conditions and demands of the labour market

In order for the labour element to function well, a good working environ­ment is central for both the individual worker and for the Nordic countries at large, as it creates the right conditions for economic growth and the financing of our welfare systems. However, there exists a number of fac­tors which influence and change the landscape for labour as we know it.

This applies both to the ways in which we perform our work as well as to the creation of new forms of work. At the same time, considerable focus is also directed towards the psychosocial challenges that exist. Both employees and employers need to adapt to these new conditions and demands. In order to succeed, transition processes need to be fair, effective and inclusive.

In order to attain the objective of a Nordic labour market which is characterised by a good and secure working environment, not just today but in the future as well, the Council will use the coming programme period to place focus on:  

Promote a sound and healthy working environment in a time when the use of hybrid working environments, platform work, flexible contracts, new employment forms and longer working lives are on the rise.

Develop greater knowledge on the causes, effects and ways of handling the psycho-social and organisational working-environment challenges that exist today on the Nordic labour markets.

Develop greater knowledge on the opportunities and challenges that exist on the Nordic labour markets in relation to increased digitalisation, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Promote effective work-environment strategies and supervisory formula methods that prevent occupational illnesses, injuries, deaths and unacceptable working conditions.