Work life and health are two fundamental building blocks of a sustainable society. In our research, we explore how work, welfare, and health services interact – and operate individually – in meeting people’s needs and society’s development.
We research challenges such as sick leave, staffing, and pensions, and how different occupational groups and sectors organize work and responsibility. An important focus is how working life can be health-promoting, while also meeting the needs of both a new generation of workers and an aging population. We examine how different age groups can find belonging and meaning in working life, and how life stages and generations influence connection, motivation, and opportunities. The goal is to develop knowledge that supports a more inclusive and meaningful working life for everyone.
The health field is in continuous development, characterized by demographic changes, increased expectations for quality and accessibility, and priorities in resource use. Our research focuses on the organization of health services, working environment, collaboration between professions, and how services are adapted to users’ everyday needs.
Many health services are developed in a municipal context, where municipalities must fill roles as both service providers and knowledge actors. We contribute with practice-based knowledge that municipalities, specialist health services, and other actors can use to develop fair, sustainable, and locally adapted solutions.
Much of the research takes place in close collaboration with actors in the welfare society, such as municipalities, NAV, and the specialist health service. We examine the effects of various measures and services, how the content of the services is developed and organized, and how local resource mobilization, collaboration, and co-creation can contribute to better adaptation to different needs.
Our research is based on a combination of user experiences, practice-based insights, and research-based knowledge. We look at shifts in responsibility and priorities in health services, competence development, cross-sector cooperation, and management of common goods. Through this work, we contribute to strengthening the foundation for a more inclusive and health-promoting society.