Norway's largest employer organization is offering voluntary severance packages to approximately 300 employees. The offer affects workers at central and regional offices.
NHO announced the decision during a staff meeting on Monday morning. The organization cites rising costs in recent years as the primary reason for the cost-cutting measure.
Nina Kraugerud Ertzaas, NHO's communications director, explained the situation. "NHO has member growth, but increased costs in recent years mean we choose to offer voluntary severance packages," she said in a statement.
The number of employees who accept the offer will determine whether further measures are needed. NHO aims to reduce its total cost level by approximately one-tenth through this process.
"Such processes can be demanding, but we hope to achieve necessary cost reduction through voluntary solutions," Kraugerud Ertzaas added.
Trade unions representing NHO staff expressed dissatisfaction with the approach. Both Husforeningen and Negotia unions acknowledge the need for financial measures but disagree with the method.
Kristine Alsvik, leader of Husforeningen, spoke for both unions. "We fear NHO will lose valuable expertise and the workload on remaining employees could become heavy," she stated.
NHO has not responded to questions about why the cost cuts are happening now or how much one-tenth represents in Norwegian kroner.
The organization represents approximately 33,000 member companies across Norway. This move signals financial pressure even within established business organizations.
This cost-cutting initiative reflects broader economic challenges facing Norwegian organizations despite NHO's position as the country's leading business voice.