Volvo is convinced that there are great possibilities to create more effective job design solutions. The new strategy on production technology and works organization was developed in the early 70s. Since then the concept of flexible technology, team work and a spirit of collaboration has diffused to all the d i f f e r e n t product groups.
The base for this development must be new technology, the capability and knowledge among the employees combined with a managerial approach that mobilizes the potential of good working ability. The changed directions both include moving toward craftsmanship in assembly operations as well as automation in manufacturing whenever feasible.
The Swedish labor market has been described as one of that most flexible which ever existed. This is characterized by a variety of work patterns in terms of working hours which are mainly a function of three changing variables:
- the structure of the work force; 2. the legal structure and labor contracts; and 3. work ethics.
V a r i a b l e s i n W o r k P a t t e r n s
Changing Structure of work force
The Swedish work force has increased in heterogeneity very rapidly in the last ten to fifteen years. The pace of change probably has few parallels in the western world. The structure of human resources in industry has also changed greatly. The potential labor force, from which industry once hired the main bulk of its manual Berth J6nsson, Corporate Development, Volvo.
workers, primarily consisted of Swedish men in their most active years. This category of people diminished continuously in importance during the 1960s. During the economic boom in 69 the situation became acute. During the latter years of the decade, foreign workers became the primary group to be hired into industry. In Volvo today, for instance, about one third of blue-collar workers are non-Swedes.
During the 1970s, however, the largest group entering the labor market has been women. Almost the total net increase in working population is due to women. To a great extent, women demand part-time jobs. About 90 percent of part-time workers are women. Parttime work in Sweden (1-34 hours per week) is characterized by: -1 out of 5 are working part-time -in industry 1 out of 10.
-9 out of 10 are women.