How the Industry Program IA in Hospitals leverages collaboration between parties to reduce sick leave and strengthen the work environment.
The Industry Program IA in Hospitals is an initiative focused on improving the work environment in Norwegian hospitals through preventive measures and targeted efforts.
A central part of this effort is to promote better collaboration between management, union representatives, HSE representatives, and employees to better the work environment and reduce sick leave due to work-related strain.
Specifique, together with the Industry Program, has developed various tools, methodologies, and processes to support this work.
Would you like to know more about the Industry Program? Visit the IA in Hospitals website.
“Where it Matters Most” is one of the methodologies developed in this program, with the intention of systematically working towards improving the work environment. The initiative supports managers, union representatives, and HSE representatives in identifying and addressing specific workplace challenges, fostering stronger collaboration between parties. Want to know more? Read the full project description on Where it Matters Most.
“Early On and Up-Close” focuses on preventing and reducing long-term and recurring sick leave. Early intervention and close follow-up are the key principles here. With tailored tools and methods, we identify risk factors and implement preventive measures. Read the full project description on Early On and Up-Close.
“Collaborating for Progress” is a support tool for following up the annual ‘Improvement Survey’. It provides tools, videos, and processes to help managers, union representatives, and HSE representatives plan, implement, and follow up on initiatives that improve the work environment. Read the full project description on Collaborating for Progress.
A comprehensive methodology for addressing complex challenges
Collaboration between parties is central to “Early On and Up-Close”, “Where it Matters Most”, and “Collaborating for Progress”. It is not just a tool – it’s part of a holistic approach we’ve built through these initiatives.
We have designed systematic processes that combine challenge identification, tailored solutions, and continuous follow-up. These processes encourage open dialogue between managers, union representatives, HSE representatives, and employees, ensuring everyone contributes to shaping and implementing lasting solutions.
Structured reflection and concrete action
The tools for collaboration between parties provide a safe space for dialogue and strengthen cooperation throughout the organisation. They allow you to identify areas for improvement, clarify roles, and establish common goals. Using these tools has led to increased mutual understanding and structured collaboration.
Many doors were opened. We could talk about roles and how we can work better together. It has been very beneficial for us.
Insights from the implementation
Rambøll Management Consulting has evaluated Early On and Up-Close. They found that the initiative’s tools for collaboration between parties has had a directly positive effect on the work environment. Frequent use of the tools has led to closer cooperation between management and employees, which has been crucial for reducing absenteeism and improving daily work life.
Having regular meetings and a structured framework for dialogue allows us to address important topics and follow-up preventive measures.
The way forward
The report from Rambøll presents learnings from the pilot, and confirms that the tools and methodologies provide noticeable improvements. Rambøll concludes that the initiative has the potential to be utilised in hospitals all over the country, as well as other sectors, creating lasting changes in collaboration culture and sick leave management.
If you want to read the report, you can download it on the Early On and Up-Close website.
Interested in learning more about how to reduce sick leave, improve work environment, and strengthen collaboration in your organisation?
Contact us at Specifique for an informal chat on how we can support you!
