arbeidslivets

Arbeidslivets is the genitive form of the Norwegian term arbeidsliv, meaning the world of work or working life. The phrase is used to describe things that belong to or pertain to the working life, and appears in expressions such as arbeidslivets vilkår (the conditions of the working life) or arbeidslivets regler (the rules of the working life). The possessive form signals a focus on the structures, institutions, or phenomena that shape employment and workplace life.

In policy, research, and public discourse, arbeidslivets is employed to frame discussions about the labor market, employment relationships, working conditions, and social protection. It is commonly found in analyses of wage setting, collective bargaining, occupational safety, training and lifelong learning, and work-life balance. The term often reflects a Nordic perspective on how employers, employees, and the state interact within the labor market.

Historical and political context: the concept is closely tied to the Nordic welfare model, where coordinated labor market policies and social dialogue influence the organization and stability of arbeidsliv. This framework emphasizes collaboration among social partners, regulatory oversight, and welfare provisions intended to support workers throughout their careers.

Contemporary relevance: current topics under the umbrella of arbeidslivets issues include aging workforces, job insecurity and precarity, digital transformation, inclusion of migrants and minority groups, and strategies to improve safety and equality in the workplace. The term remains a concise way to discuss the conditions, structures, and changes that define modern working life in Norwegian-speaking contexts.

See also: arbeidsmiljø, arbeidsgiver, arbeidstaker, tariffavtale.