If a company employs workers, it is required by law to have occupational health care. Statistics show that about 10% of wage earners are outside the scope of occupational health care.

Companies outside occupational health care are typically small. Many of these small businesses do not see any benefit in occupational health care. Some even perceive it as a hindrance. One transport industry entrepreneur described the activities of occupational health care as follows: 'Three people sat in the truck cab, and we received a bill for 1,500 euros.' Many small business owners acquire the required paperwork for compliance but choose to stay outside occupational health care. They do not see any benefit in it.

For decades, efforts have been made to include small businesses in occupational health care through various projects. Dr. Tolonen, known for his vitamin pills, led the first project developing occupational health care for small businesses in the 1970s. However, he found more success in the vitamin business.

Over the years, the situation for small business owners has become more challenging. The production of occupational health care services is becoming more centralized. The share of medical centers in the total number of individuals covered by occupational health care has risen from less than 30% in 2021 to almost 90%. The majority of service production is handled by the three largest chains.

The role of small business owners in the health giant's customer basket is negligible. The attitude towards small business owners varies. Depending on the staff's attitude, the customer experience can be excellent, but there are also entrepreneurs who feel they are more of a burden as customers.

The needs of small businesses vary from one company to another and depend on the company's development stage. Companies considering hiring their first employee may not want the extra cost of over a thousand euros associated with joining occupational health care. But as the company grows and wants to hire more staff, ensuring successful recruitment and attractiveness becomes important. This is where occupational health care can play a role.

Economic conditions also play a role. In an economic downturn, the needs for occupational health care may change, requiring flexibility in occupational health care contracts.

Is there something new at Norre?

Norre aims to primarily act as a service provider for occupational health care in the small to mid-size business sector. We aim for customer satisfaction by providing services tailored to the company's needs. Determining these needs is a key factor before starting service production.

We also understand that small businesses are often in dynamic situations. They may be growing or expecting growth during an economic downturn. We can adapt the content of occupational healthcare in line with these needs.

Of course, we also meet all legal requirements. We assess the health significance of workplace risk factors and make proposals for improving working conditions as needed. We conduct required health examinations quickly, efficiently, and avoiding unnecessary costs. We provide necessary guidance and counseling.

If needed, the company can flexibly purchase healthcare services included in occupational healthcare. We do not produce everything ourselves. Through a partnership network, we aim to use the best possible producers in each location.

Companies may face challenges related to the functioning of the work community. Our experienced team is skilled at identifying and addressing areas for development and can assist the company in its improvement. However, it is clear that in demanding projects, we may not be the best operators, but we can help the company find the best operator for each problem. Through a networked approach, we aim to find the best solutions for the company. If necessary, we present alternatives from which the company can make its choices.

Norre is also exceptional as an occupational healthcare provider in that it has a large and experienced IT team for its size. The team develops electronic tools for occupational healthcare use.

All Norre employees are eager to listen to the company, the entrepreneur, and the company's personnel to improve occupational healthcare. Our goal is to provide small and mid-size companies with better occupational healthcare services and experiences. Due to this commitment to develop, we consider all our customers to be important.