Young energy for the union

Out collecting rubbish by the beach in a Nordea T-shirt.

An example of an event that members of the focus group in Finansforbundet in Nordea believe that other young people would also want to participate in. Another could be to get help to optimize your LinkedIn profile and at the same time have new photos taken for the same.

For the time being, the latter event is underway, and the first is under consideration. 

On the whole, there is great responsiveness to the suggestions and input that the focus group has come up with, according to two of the participants, Josefine Mellissa Sangild-James and Christine Nicoline Lykke Isaksen.

"It has been mega cool to be invited to the focus group and experience that we are listened to and have influence," they agree.

Too adult

Both have a special starting point for having opinions towards the combination of young people and trade unions, as they both have experience as union representatives. Christine, who is a KYC Analyst, has just completed her training as a union representative.

Josefine, who is a Financial Crime Specialist, is no longer a union representative, but would like to be one again at some point. She signed up for the post because she felt there was a lack of someone to represent those who are like herself – that is, young people:

"The trade union thing can feel very adult when you are at the beginning of your working life. Perhaps you prioritise differently than older colleagues, and it can also be a bit of an overcoming to ask for advice from a union representative who is in a completely different place in life and knows all the rules. It was easier to ask me, who had also only just learned things."

The assessment of the two Nordea employees is that many young people are probably aware that it is a good idea to join a trade union, but why this is actually the case is a little less clear. 

Young people must be informed about everything that a trade union is, in addition to what they already know – in a catchy way, of course.

The two therefore also advocate that the union becomes better at using social media such as TikTok and Instagram. It should also be taken into account that the target group should be able to use the skills or experiences they gain through participation in courses or events actively on their own profiles or CVs.

Immortal

"Young people feel immortal, so being in a union as a safety net is not such an interesting argument. There must be something here and now to use it for, even if you are in a job you like," says Christine.
Josefine points out that there are many opportunities to capture young people's interest. Some of the keywords are professional identity, strengthened network, community, learning from others' experiences.

"Young people must feel that it has value to be a member. When you pay for it, you also want to feel that you get something out of it. A trade union does not have to be just about conflict and law, it should be something social and informal, easy to approach."

Social events

They share the social gene, and they also believe that many other young people have an appetite for social events. 

Christine actually became a union representative that way. 

She was responsible for many of the social initiatives in her department and was therefore encouraged to take on the role after just one year in her department.

"I thought that was a huge vote of confidence from my colleagues."

Political efforts

At Finansforbundet in Nordea, board member Natascha Bødker Feodor Nielsen, who has taken the Young Strength training - and is generally very committed to the subject - is pleased with the focus group's input.

"It is of great value to us. Their input will definitely be used and translated into events and other initiatives."

Among other things, she will include the focus group's contribution - and other collected knowledge about young people - in the work of establishing a youth organization in Finansforbundet. 

Here, a working group has been set up that has put on the fast shoes to get beyond the steppes.

"It is important to talk with the young people and not about the young people. They will help shape the future Finansforbundet so that they themselves want to be part of the union in the future."