Mener Aker-topp bommer om norsk arbeidsliv: – Her har man tatt for hardt i

Mats Johansen, CEO of Aker Biomarine, argued during the Oslo Business Forum that Norwegian work culture is too soft. He called for a tougher approach to work, claiming today's young generation lacks the resilience to handle challenges. A response came from Frode Alfheim, leader of the Strength organization, representing 80,000 members in the industry.

Alfheim told E24 that the Norwegian work culture model is the reason for Norway's industrial success, as it provides secure employees who also receive their fair share of the pie. Johansen pointed out that many in China work 72-hour weeks, making it difficult to compete with the Asian labor market. Alfheim countered that Norway ranks at the top globally in terms of productivity, according to the OECD, and seeking inspiration from China or the USA for leadership is misguided.

Alfheim praised Aker, as a company itself, as a good example of how the Norwegian model works, with trust and leadership playing key roles. He emphasized that the Norwegian model has been beneficial for Aker and the broader Norwegian work culture, and it is this model that must be further developed, not advice from China or the USA.

Alfheim was clear about what Norwegian leaders should learn from. "We should have no interest in Chinese or American work culture models," he stated. Johansen faced opposition from former Ikea CEO Jesper Brodin during the forum debate. Brodin, a supporter of Scandinavian work culture, warned against increasing confrontation leading to a fear culture.

"We can combine 'hygge' and performance focus," Brodin said. "I don't believe that 80-hour weeks are the solution. It promotes burnout," he added.