#None #Nordic Countries #EcoOnline #Safety Survey

Are Nordic Workplaces as Safe as They Are Happy?

Recent research conducted by EcoOnline's Future Insights Team raises essential questions about the safety of workplaces in the Nordic region. Despite consistently ranking high on global happiness indexes, the safety of their workplaces appears to be a different story. The survey, titled "How Safe and Sustainable Is Your Workplace?", gathered insights from over 3,600 employees across Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. The findings shed light on the fact that while the region offers a plethora of benefits, workplace safety still requires attention and improvement.

Key Findings of the Survey

One of the most startling revelations from this survey is that nearly 50% of respondents experienced some form of workplace accident or work-related illness. This finding persists even in countries known for their comprehensive worker protection regulations. In terms of perceived safety among employees, 80% expressed comfort in their workplace. However, that also means 20% do not feel adequately safe, which is a significant concern. Norway stands out where 83% of workers feel safe and 74% of employers take safety initiatives seriously.

Despite the high numbers in perceived safety, there are noticeable discrepancies across the region, especially when it comes to critical areas like chemical safety training. In Norway, about 79% of employees receive training, whereas only 60% of workers in Denmark are similarly equipped. This variation underscores the need for companies to invest in safety practices uniformly across the Nordic nations, addressing gaps in knowledge and training.

Prioritizing Workplace Safety

Another critical aspect highlighted by the survey is the employees' desire for heightened investment in safety measures. When asked about areas requiring more funding, the top responses included:
1. More safety training opportunities (36%)
2. Increased safety initiative funding (32%)
3. Allocating additional time to safety efforts (31%)

The respondents indicated that enhanced safety investments could benefit the workplace by fostering a happier workforce (47% noted this improvement) and decreasing sick leave (33%). Moreover, better communication across departments (noted by 26%) is also a significant anticipated outcome of investing more in safety.

The Digital Shift

The role of technology emerged as a powerful theme in responses as employees expressed a growing demand for digital solutions to streamline safety reporting. With nearly half (47%) advocating for digital reporting systems, the current figures show that only 61% of employees have access to a digital chemical management system. This deficiency is even more pronounced in Finland, at only 53%.
In Sweden, data indicates a noticeable rise in mobile reporting preferences among employees, with the percentage growing from 17% in 2023 to 24% in 2025, showcasing a shift in expectations toward more mobile functionality and digital tools in safety operations.

The Interplay of Happiness and Safety

Tom Goodmanson, CEO of EcoOnline, emphasized the correlation between employee well-being and workplace safety. He stated, "Nordic countries consistently rank among the happiest in the world, a reflection of both life outside of work and within it. Sustaining that well-being means ensuring workplaces are not only productive, but also safe and supportive."
With a large majority (85%) of employees considering safety when choosing jobs, and 83% indicating they might leave a company due to poor working conditions, it’s clear that safety compliance not only influences regulatory obligations but is increasingly crucial in attracting and retaining talent.

A Path Forward

The insights from EcoOnline's survey suggest a path forward for improving workplace safety in Nordic countries. Organizations should prioritize enhancing training, investing in safety initiatives, and adopting digital solutions to meet the expectations of their workforce. By doing so, they can work towards creating an environment that ensures not just compliance, but a robust and positive workplace culture where employee safety and happiness coalesce effectively.