The collegial Swiss army knife is incredibly important

"We may spend close to a third of our time at work, so it's important that employees feel that the workplace is a place they like to be."

These are the words of Peder Bach, Deputy Head of LC&I, Head of LC&I in Denmark and since October also Country Senior Executive in Denmark. He finds that the union representatives play an important role. 

"You can call them collegial Swiss army knives because they are useful in so many different situations. You don't know what situation awaits just around the corner. There, the union representatives have some skills so that they can interact with both management and colleagues. There would be a void if they weren't there," says Peder Bach.

Nipping inexpediencies in the bud

Without the union representatives, many inexpediencies would not be addressed.

"That would mean that the inexpediencies would take root. It's a bit like the thistle in the backyard that blooms, throws some spores, and all of a sudden you have thistles all over the place. Then you have lost control of something that could have been nipped in the bud through a good dialogue with the employees via the union representative."

Competent conversation partner

The banking sector is exposed to changeable winds due to regulation, competition and digital developments, among other things.

"I have experienced that the union representatives have an important function there. It can be based on a collective uncertainty about where the organization is heading, or the personal, where you as an employee are in a vulnerable place and need a competent conversation partner who can decode the signals that are being sent."

Here, Peder Bach has experienced that the union representative played an incredibly strong role.

"There may be increased uncertainty, but thanks to the commitment of the union representatives, you come out on the other side better because the dialogue is being driven in the right direction."

Employees must be able to see themselves in the strategy
Nordea has just launched its new 2030 strategy.

"It is important that the strategy is translated together with the employees, so that colleagues can see themselves in it, and management and employees get a common picture of where to go and what is needed. Here, union representatives and Finansforbundet in Nordea can contribute with important input and perspectives," says Peder Bach.

Motivation, competencies and intention

Peder Bach has not worked actively to get union representatives to stand for election, but if there was a lack of one, he would certainly do his part to motivate colleagues to take on the role. 

"In all respects, I personally think it is important that you have the right person for the role - someone who is motivated, has the skills and has a desire to support the organization."