On October 17, 2024, the Chinese Professionals in Norway (CPN) successfully organized a workshop on Norwegian working regulations at Høyhuset in Oslo, with a highly engaged audience of immigrant professionals. The workshop aimed to empower attendees with a deeper understanding of Norwegian laws and workplace practices, addressing a critical need among immigrant workers seeking to navigate the country’s work environment confidently and effectively.
The workshop was chaired by Dr. Weiqing Zhang (Figure 1), CPN’s Vice-President for Innovation and Technology, who warmly welcomed participants and introduced CPN’s mission to support immigrant professionals. Dr. Zhang highlighted CPN’s commitment to facilitating knowledge-sharing events that help immigrants overcome cultural and regulatory barriers to success. His opening remarks set the tone for a comprehensive and engaging session, emphasizing the importance of legal knowledge, cultural understanding, and workplace adaptability.
The keynote speaker, Ms. Guro J. Skåre-Jullum (Figure 2), delivered an insightful and detailed presentation on Health, Security, and Environment (HSE) regulations, a cornerstone of Norwegian workplace policy. With an extensive background as the coordinating chief safety delegate in Bærum municipality, Ms. Skåre-Jullum shared her expertise on the development and implementation of HSE systematic frameworks in Norway, focusing on the practical aspects of maintaining safety, health, and environmental standards at work. Her thorough explanation of HSE regulations ranged from theoretical underpinnings to real-world applications, making complex legal principles accessible and relevant to the audience.
Throughout the workshop, Ms. Skåre-Jullum engaged the attendees in lively discussions, answering a range of questions regarding HSE policies and addressing common challenges faced by foreign professionals in adapting to Norway’s work environment. Participants openly shared personal experiences and challenges related to HSE compliance in their workplaces, seeking practical advice on overcoming communication and implementation barriers. Ms. Skåre-Jullum provided thoughtful and actionable guidance, equipping attendees with strategies to strengthen their knowledge and application of HSE standards in their professional roles(Figure 3). For further details, please refer to the attached presentation.
In the concluding session, participants expressed appreciation for the workshop’s relevance and accessibility, noting the invaluable insights they gained into Norwegian labor laws. Many commented on the practicality of the training and highlighted the importance of similar sessions for foreign workers who may not be familiar with the detailed nuances of Norwegian regulations (Figure 4).
The success of this workshop reflects CPN’s continued dedication to supporting immigrant professionals and fostering a strong, well-informed community in Norway. This event marks another step forward in CPN’s mission to bridge cultural and regulatory knowledge gaps, empowering immigrants to excel and contribute confidently to Norway’s workforce.