The Norwegian Working Environment Act requires employers to provide employees with the training needed to do their job. Nonetheless, almost one in three employees report that they have to carry out tasks without the necessary training. This shortcoming is most frequently reported by young workers. Employees in the private sector and in small organisations are more satisfied with the level of training than those in the public sector or in larger companies.
Background
Insufficient training may lead to uncertainty and a reduced feeling of control. Over time, a reduced feeling of control combined with high demands in the work situation can lead to health problems. Sufficient training in the workplace is therefore important and is considered a priority, as outlined in Section 4-2 of the Norwegian Working Environment Act (2.2Mb PDF).
About the survey
In August 2008, the National Institute of Occupational Health (Statens arbeidsmiljøinstitutt, STAMI) published a report (in Norwegian) on the status of the psychosocial work environment in Norway. The study provides detailed information on the working conditions of employees in 45 different occupational groups and is based on data from the Level of Living Survey: Working Conditions 2006 ( Samordnet levekårsundersøkelse 2006: Arbeidsmiljø, 3.6Mb PDF), conducted by Statistics Norway (Statistisk sentralbyrås, SSB) (NO0711019D). This survey comprises telephone interviews with almost 10,000 workers, representing a response rate of 67%. The degree of insufficient training was measured through the following question: ‘Are you sometimes required to carry out work tasks without having received sufficient training?’
Survey findings
Almost 32% of all Norwegian employees report having to carry out work tasks without adequate training at least a couple of times a month. More than 12% of the respondents experience this problem on a weekly basis. No differences emerge between men and women; however, significant disparities arise between different age groups. Figure 1 shows that 37.5% of employees in the 25–39 year age group consider that they have insufficient training at least a couple of times a month, compared with nearly 23% of employees in the 55–66 age group.
Workers reporting insufficient training, by age group and frequency of the experience, 2006 (%)
In terms of company size, Figure 2 shows that employees in small enterprises, employing between one and 19 persons, are less likely to experience feelings of insufficient training in their job. In these companies, 27% of the workers report being required to carry out tasks without the necessary training at least a couple of times a month, compared with 35% of workers in larger enterprises. Figure 2 also reveals that inadequate training is more frequently reported by employees in the public sector at governmental and municipal level than by employees in the private sector.
Workers reporting insufficient training, by company size and sector, 2006 (%)
Some occupational groups stand out as being particularly exposed to insufficient training in their work. This problem is most frequently reported by employees working with computers. Almost one in three computer engineers and computer technicians report that they carry out tasks without the necessary training at least once a week. This shortcoming is also reported by more than one in four electrical engineers and electrical technicians, despite the fact that inadequate training in this area of practice may lead to potentially dangerous situations. Teachers are another occupational group that frequently reports experiencing insufficient training at work.
On the other hand, occupational groups where employees rarely report feelings of insufficient training include cleaners and employees in the primary sectors of agriculture and forestry, fishing, and mining and quarrying.
Commentary
Despite the employer obligations set out in the Working Environment Act, many workers report being required to carry out work tasks without the necessary training. This situation is most frequently cited by workers in the 25–39 year age group. Insufficient training may lead to uncertainty, reduced work satisfaction and increased staff turnover, especially for workers in this age group.
The report also reveals great differences between occupational groups. A large number of electrical engineers, electrical technicians and electricians in general report that they often carry out work tasks without adequate training. This could lead to dangerous situations, and could be a potential threat to the safety of these workers. Sufficient training in this area of practice should be a greater focus and a matter of health and safety in such organisations.
Cecilie Aagestad, National Institute of Occupational Health
