NITO in the workplace
Employees in a meeting room who discuss and collaborate, with a focus on dialogue and co-determination in working life.

This is how working life in Norway is organised

The Norwegian model is based on employers, employees and the authorities in Norway working together to ensure a good working life and a sustainable welfare society. Employees are organised in trade unions and employers in employers' associations, so that important issues can be discussed between a few actors on behalf of many. 

Dialogue – The key to success

Dialogue and co-determination are key aspects of Norwegian working life. The Norwegian model ensures continuous dialogue between employers and employees, which takes place at several levels, from the daily conversations in the workplace to formal meetings between management and employee representatives.  

The parties can exchange views, discuss challenges and find solutions together. Open communication makes it possible to adapt to changes quickly and efficiently.  

Co-determination – A right for employees

Co-determination is another key element of the Norwegian model. Employees have the right to participate in influencing decisions that affect their working conditions.

Through union representatives and trade unions such as NITO, employees can participate in negotiations on wages, working conditions and other important issues. 

Co-determination is enshrined in law through the Working Environment Act and through collective agreements entered into between the employees' organisations and the employers' associations. This ensures that workers' rights are safeguarded and that they have a real influence on decisions that affect their working day. 

What is co-determination – and why does it create better jobs?

Tripartite cooperation – A pillar of the Norwegian model

Another important factor in the Norwegian model is the tripartite cooperation between employers, employees and the authorities.

This cooperation gives all parties the opportunity to participate in the formulation of laws and regulations that regulate working life. Through the tripartite cooperation, agreement can be reached on important issues such as wage settlements, the working environment and pension schemes. 

Tripartite cooperation helps to create predictability and stability in working life, which is important for both employers and employees.  

What are the advantages of the Norwegian model?

Salary and working conditions - A to Z

Do you have any questions about salary and working conditions? Here you will find an alphabetical overview of all the relevant pages:

Salary and working conditions - A to Z

Illustration of a woman working at a laptop, with other figures in the background, symbolises an overview of pay and working conditions in a digitalised working day.
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