IDA's Key Issues
We must change the way we think about work life in Denmark
Historically, employees have been seen merely as economic entities subject to regulation or pressure.
"To a much greater extent, we should regard people as the resources they are and have. Resources we must support to retain them in the future", states the chairman of the Council of Employees in IDA, Malene Matthison-Hansen.
Retention is critical, especially given the shortage of skilled professionals in STEM fields.
Focus on well-being and good management
Should employees be treated as pieces fitted into a mold, leaving their self-perception at the entrance, working eight hours daily, conforming to a predetermined company system? According to IDA, this approach makes it challenging to retain people and their skills.
If, on the other hand, the management perceives the employees as resources that must be supported and given the best imaginable working environment so that they can thrive in their working life, that is another matter.
"We must make it attractive to be employed, not a bureaucratic hassle to not be. Passion drives our work, and the right framework is essential for delivering the best solutions. Well-being and effective management must take precedence," says Malene Matthison-Hansen.
IDA's 6 principles for future working life
A new generation
Our society is knowledge-based, relying heavily on individual employees. By structuring workplaces as if employees were ants we risk losing the next generation to more attractive working environments elsewhere.
"Young people entering the labour market today expect room for individuality and flexibility in their working lives. If these expectations aren't met, many will explore other opportunities," says Malene Matthison-Hansen.
If we are to benefit from the expertise of the employees of the future, we have to - also politically - stop believing that we can force them into a mold. We must support them instead.
In addition, we have got to retain our seniors better than we do, and then we have to make room for more foreign labour.
If we do not succeed in this, it is difficult to see how we will be able to carry out the many tasks of our field of expertise in just 10 years.
IDA’s contribution to the future of work
As one of the country's largest trade unions, IDA plays a vital role in shaping future working life and the working environment.
On a political level, IDA advocates for well-being when negotiating collective agreements on behalf of its members.
On a more individual level, as a member of IDA, you can get advice from IDA's career consultants. They can help you as an employee or manager by guiding you towards a sustainable working life and offering insights into career development and workplace policies.
In addition, IDA works via Engineer the Future to improve the technological education of children and young people, as well as to increase participation in STEM education.