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Country shape no

Your global agency guide to...

Norway

Norway, with a GDP of $485.5 billion, ranks 31st globally. Key industries include petroleum and gas, shipping, and fishing. With a stable working population, Norway's labor market remains robust despite an aging population. A low 3.6% unemployment rate supports employment stability. Norway hosts a modest number of recruitment agencies, focusing on specialized sectors.

Norway'S

AGENCY LANDSCAPE

1K

Agencies operating in Norway

A high number of agencies indicates a mature recruitment industry, marked by strong talent demand, established labor laws and economic stability.

16-22%

Typical fee range

Countries with higher fees imply finding talent is harder to find whilst lower fees indicate a high-volume, commoditized market.

Norway'S

FEATURED AGENCIES

Adecco Group

Nordic Jobs Worldwide

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Norway'S

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) RATING

31

WORLD RANKED

Norway ranks 31st in the world by current economic output

$486B

NOMINAL GDP (US$)

GDP reflects the overall size and economic strength of the country’s economy.

18

EMEA RANKED

Norway is the 18th biggest GDP in EMEA out of 109 countries in the region

GDP GROWTH (%)

The above chart compares how Norway's GDP has grown, compared to the rest of the world and the EMEA region in the last 7 years.
Positive growth indicates an expanding economy, while negative growth or recession signifies economic contraction. Strong growth can encourage hiring, but slower growth might lead to freezes or layoffs, influencing talent sourcing as businesses adapt to changing market conditions and demands.

Norway'S

CURRENCY AND CODE

Nkr

Country currency

NOR

Country ISO code

Norway'S

INFLATION RATE

3.3%

CURRENT RATE

▼2.2% REDUCTION

Inflation represents the rate at which prices rise and purchasing power diminishes. High inflation may prompt employees to seek higher wages, potentially impacting company profitability. This situation could lead to budget constraints or hiring freezes, which might influence talent availability and sourcing strategies.


Norway'S

COST OF LIVING

COST OF LIVING INDEX EXPLAINED

The cost of living has a direct impact on salary expectations and the competitiveness of compensation packages. It can influence the appeal of certain locations-while high-cost areas may attract highly skilled professionals looking for higher salaries, lower-cost areas can appeal to companies looking to minimize salary expenses or candidates seeking a better work-life balance.

Norway'S

LABOUR STATISTICS

5.4M

POPULATION

With a population of 5,425,270, Norway is a small sized country by global standards. Norway's youth population is just below the world average, indicating it may face challenges in labor market sustainability over time. The working population in Norway is close to the world average, suggesting a stable labor market that can adequately meet the economy's demands. Norway's elderly population is just above the world average, suggesting a growing dependency ratio, which may strain the labor market.

Norway'S

RELIGION

Religion

In religiously diverse countries, a broad sourcing and engagement approach whilst appealing to inclusive practices resonates with this candidate market. In contrast, in a homogeneous religious environment, understanding dominant cultural norms is often more important when engaging with talent.

Norway'S

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

3.6%

CURRENT PERCENTAGE

▲0.35% INCREASE

Norway's unemployment rate is healthy, indicating a well functioning labor market with good job opportunities for most people. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a small increase in unemployment, suggesting continued economic stability, with a slight dip in job availability

Norway'S

TOP PERFORMING INDUSTRIES

Top industries

Petroleum and gas
Shipping
Fishing

Norway'S

GENDER DEMOGRAPHICS

RATIO OF MALES TO FEMALES (BY AGE)

LABOUR PARTICIPATION BY GENDER (%)

69 / 62

Male | Female

In Norway there is a low gap in participation rates between males and females, indicating a relatively balanced workforce particpation often reflective of strong gender equality policies or cultural norms supportive of equal gender parity.

Norway'S

WORKING LIFE

$68K

Average gross annual wage (US$)

This figure represents yearly income before taxes. Higher wage countries are above $50,000 USD. Attracting talent in lower-wage markets can be cost-effective; however, offering above-average compensation may be required for in-demand skills.

$5.7K

Average gross monthly wage (US$)

This figure represents monthly income before taxes. Higher-wage countries typically exceed $4,000 USD per month. Attracting talent in lower-wage markets can be cost-effective; however, offering above-average monthly compensation may be necessary for in-demand skills.

Norway'S

WORKING LIFE

12DAYS

Minimum annual holidays

Minimum annual holidays reflect mandated leave. Hiring in countries with high allowances (over 25 days) will require emphasizing work-life balance when recruiting. In countries with fewer holidays (under 15 days), offering additional leave can enhance recruitment and set the organization apart.

37.5HRS

Average working full time week

Employers must pay for overtime at 140% of the hourly rate on weekdays and 200% on night shifts/weekends. Max 10 hours weekly and 25 every 4 weeks are allowed; standard work is 7.5 hours daily, 37.5 weekly, Monday-Friday.

Norway'S

TOP BENEFITS

49WEEKS

Maternity leave

Norway offers 49/59 weeks of maternity/paternity leave at 100%/80% pay, with maternal/paternal quotas of 15/19 weeks. Additional unpaid year possible. NAV administers pay.

1YEAR

Sick leave

Employees can take unlimited sick leave days, receiving benefits for up to one year. Payment rates and payers vary based on the duration of the leave.

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