– Our Efforts Matter

The transition from the supplier industry was a significant change for both Silje and Jah. Life has a few more hours now.

– It was a bit surprising to move from the private sector to a humanitarian organization. The focus is completely different.

Silje Larsen, IT Business Partner at the Norwegian Red Cross

When she applied for a job at the Red Cross after a few years in the supplier industry, it was a deliberate decision. She had long wanted to work for a humanitarian organization, where she could contribute to something beyond KPIs and revenue targets. However, she wasn’t fully prepared for just how significant the change would be.

– It’s a completely different daily life. Previously, I worked under immense pressure. A lot of overtime was required to complete projects, and it took a personal toll on me. The pressure was intense,” she explains. In the Red Cross, things are different.

– Here, a great deal of effort is required as well, because it’s an extremely complex organization. In the beginning, it took a lot of time to understand the business and how it operates. But it’s no longer about working to earn as much as possible. Other things matter now.

Value-Driven

– I find that those who work here are driven by values to a much greater extent than I’ve experienced elsewhere. You notice it quickly. And they’re not afraid to stand up for what they believe in and debate.

It’s important to recognize when to be humble about others’ knowledge, and when to stand firm on your own professional assessments.

– Those of us who work with technology play a critical role in communicating and explaining what technology and digitalization can contribute too.

Silje Larsen, IT Business Partner at the Norwegian Red Cross

Closer to the End-User

Despite his naturally high energy levels, Jah later realized that he was on the verge of burnout. His workdays often extended well past midnight, and he was still expected to be in the office by seven in the morning. Overtime hours piled up.

However, he didn’t reflect much on it at the time. When you’ve worked in that environment for so long, you become blind to your own situation, Jah believes.

– I didn’t truly notice it until I changed jobs. That’s when I realized it wasn’t a healthy lifestyle.

Jah Langleite, IT Senior Architect at the Red Cross

It Makes More Sense

After seven years in the organization, he still enjoys his work immensely. For him, changing jobs was an important decision for both his health and well-being. Additionally, he now feels it’s easier to see the value of the work he does.

– I definitely feel more driven now, in a completely different way compared to chasing hours and stock listings.

Jah Langleite, IT Senior Architect at the Red Cross

Furthermore, he gets much closer to the end-users than before.

– Previously, I rarely saw firsthand how my work affected users. As a result, I didn’t feel that I was contributing beyond financial outcomes. But here, I can clearly see that users’ lives are made easier because of something we’ve worked on. I feel that what I do has real value for others,” he says.

A Balanced Life

In contrast to many other companies, profit isn’t the driving force. Instead, the focus is on maximizing value from every krone, but not at the expense of employees. The aim is for people to last over time.

– If the Red Cross is going to deliver on its mission, we need people who are well, not exhausted by their jobs.

– Balance in life is essential, and I feel we have a very conscious approach to work-life balance here.

Silje Larsen, IT Business Partner at the Norwegian Red Cross

Time and Money

In the canteen at Hausmanns gate, no one brags about the number of overtime hours they’ve worked or their latest paycheck.

– Here, it’s all about ensuring that our efforts have the greatest possible impact. We’re not measured by hours worked, but by what we deliver on various projects and to what extent we help the organization save time and money.

Jah Langleite, IT Senior Architect at the Red Cross

– Of course, there was a rush in earning a lot of money,” Silje admits.

– But for me, it felt like just a brief pat on the back before the next project started. Those aren’t the moments I remember. It’s something completely different to see that the work we do helps other people, that our efforts truly make a difference.

That’s a good feeling, concludes Silje.