In 2016, the Nordic working life research community will come together in Tampere, Finland. Since national borders have become increasingly porous and labour markets continue the process of integration, we will also be welcoming colleagues from outside the Nordic countries – especially those from the nations bordering the Baltic Sea – to join the conference.

In Europe, the prolonged economic crisis has also resulted in social and political crises. The main theme of the conference, Hard Times?, will involve discussion on the connection between the current crises and working life. In the recent past, the globalisation of production became commonplace, but the Nordic countries survived this process. However, in the present day, trends indicate that this situation might have changed.

The current state of affairs provokes questions both old and new: Is the high quality of Nordic working life at risk? Do the current crises mean the renegotiation of gender contracts in working life? What are the consequences of the crises and technological developments regarding employment and working conditions? Is migration supporting or destabilizing the foundations of the Nordic regimes? Can research-supported workplace development still contribute to the reform of Nordic working life? Is the strategy of a learning society based on a skilled labor force and decent wages still valid?

For more infomartion and updates please visit the The Eighth Nordic Working Life Conference webpages.