Its Raining….

Today was our first day back at the office after several wonderful days in Northern Norway.

We woke to a rainy Oslo. Umbrellas filled the streets, rain jackets appeared everywhere, and the grey sky made staying beneath the duvet feel particularly tempting.

Instead of rushing into the morning, we enjoyed a long coffee in bed while going through the plans for the day. It was a soft and peaceful beginning before returning to meetings, conversations and office routines.

There is something valuable about taking a little time to prepare mentally for the day ahead. A calm morning does not necessarily make the day less productive. Sometimes, it makes it easier to focus on what truly matters.

As Steve Jobs once said:
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Returning to the office reminded me how fortunate I am to work with people I genuinely enjoy seeing.

Back at the Office

Our first meeting was at twelve o’clock, which gave us a gentle start to the working day.

It felt good to walk through the office doors again and see the employees. They had taken excellent care of everything while we were away, and it was clear that the office had been in safe hands.

Knowing that the people around you accept responsibility and keep everything moving creates an enormous sense of trust.

A good workplace is not only defined by results, numbers and meetings. It is also shaped by reliability, respect and the knowledge that people support one another.

The office looked almost exactly as we had left it.

Almost.

Missing Kompis

It was impossible not to notice that Kompis, our office dog, was not there.

An office can be full of people and activity, but the absence of one familiar dog can still make the entire place feel unusually quiet.

Kompis normally brings his own energy into the working day. There is always a sound, a movement or a reason to stop for a moment and smile. Without him, something was clearly missing.

Dogs have a wonderful ability to become part of a routine without anyone noticing exactly when it happened.

Then, when they are not there, everyone notices.

I am sure the office will feel complete again when Kompis returns.

A Busy News Day

During the day, I also caught up with some of the stories shaping the Norwegian news picture.

One important business story concerns the new American tariff on many Norwegian exports. Norwegian authorities and business leaders have been discussing the consequences of the twelve and a half percent tariff, which creates uncertainty for exporters of products such as seafood, furniture and industrial goods.

For Norwegian companies, uncertainty can sometimes be more difficult than the tariff itself. Businesses need to plan production, employment, prices and investments. Sudden changes in international trade conditions make those decisions much harder.

Another story affecting Norwegian travellers is the possibility of a strike among SAS cabin crew in Norway from August 8. The strike was announced after union members rejected a proposed wage agreement, although it could still be avoided through a new settlement.

After travelling by plane only yesterday, news about a possible airline strike feels especially close.

It is a reminder that behind every flight are many people whose work makes the journey possible.

The Generational Shift Facing Norway

Another subject that deserves attention is the generational shift Norway is facing.

This is not simply about one generation growing older and another becoming adults. It affects workplaces, family businesses, public services, healthcare and the entire Norwegian welfare model.

Statistics Norway’s population projections show that Norway’s population will continue to age strongly in the years ahead. Some municipalities may have nearly one third of their population aged seventy or older by 2050.

At the same time, Norway has experienced falling birth rates, particularly among people in their twenties. An official Norwegian report published in 2026 warned that smaller generations of children combined with a growing elderly population will create lasting pressure on municipalities and care services.

This means that fewer people of working age may eventually be expected to perform more tasks.

The Norwegian government has already identified growing care needs and limited growth in the working age population as one of the country’s most important long term challenges. More people will need care, while there may not be enough additional workers to provide it.

The generational shift is therefore not only about statistics.

It is about knowledge.

Many experienced employees, leaders and business owners will eventually retire. Their experience cannot simply be stored in a computer or replaced by a written manual.

Knowledge must be shared while people are still working together.

The younger generation must be given opportunities to learn, make decisions and gradually accept greater responsibility. At the same time, experienced workers deserve respect for everything they have built and contributed.

A successful generational shift should not feel like one generation is being pushed aside.

It should feel like one generation is handing something valuable to the next.

Fun Fact About a Rainy Oslo Evening

Fun fact: Even though today felt grey and rainy, Oslo still had approximately sixteen and a half hours of daylight. The sun rose shortly after five in the morning and was not due to set until around half past nine in the evening.

That is one of the beautiful things about August in Norway.

The rain may make the day feel darker, but summer has not completely released its grip on the evenings yet.

A Good First Day Back

All in all, it has been a good day.

There were meetings, conversations and plenty to catch up on, but it was not overwhelming. It felt more like a gentle return to everyday life.

After several days filled with family, mountains, long drives and northern landscapes, it was good to see the office and the employees again.

Travelling reminds us what we appreciate about home.

Returning reminds us what we appreciate about our daily lives.

Both are important.

Evening Has Arrived

It has become evening now, and soon we will drive home.

After a rainy day in Oslo, I am looking forward to getting indoors, changing into something comfortable and enjoying a proper dinner.

A good meal feels particularly deserved after the first day back at work.

I imagine the rest of the evening will be quiet. Perhaps we will find a film, settle onto the sofa and allow the day to end without making too many additional plans.

An early night will probably be sensible because we need to get up early tomorrow.

The alarm clock does not care that we have only just returned from holiday.

Still, I am grateful for today.

I am grateful for the employees who cared for the office, for the warm welcome back and for the slow coffee that gave the morning such a peaceful beginning.

I am even grateful for the rain.

Rainy days encourage us to slow down, look inward and appreciate the warmth waiting for us at home.

Motto from Nordè

A new beginning does not require perfect weather. It only requires people who care, knowledge worth sharing
Tonje