The Danish Nature Agency looks after the Danish forests – HR-ON Wellbeing helps them take care of their employees
Through 7 years with HR-ON Wellbeing (former Howdy), the Danish Nature Agency has learned that proactive wellbeing efforts work, that men need an extra push to receive help in time, and that you can be a present and good leader while still needing support to activate the silent majority.
The employees of the Operations Center in the Danish Nature Agency manage approximately 200,000 hectares of state forests and natural areas from Skagen to Bornholm. The goal is to create the greatest possible value for society by providing a strong framework for outdoor life, protecting nature and ensuring efficient operation of forests and natural areas.
The work includes many different tasks, both in offices and in the forests. The Danish Nature Agency has actively acknowledged that solving these tasks successfully depends fundamentally on strong workplace wellbeing and satisfied employees.
The agency is now in its 7th year using HR-ON Wellbeing as a wellbeing tool, which has helped employees out of dissatisfaction and provided management with valuable insights into the overall wellbeing of the organization.
“Generally, we men react too late… but many of those who have said that contact with HR-ON Wellbeing helped them have actually been men.” – Peter Chrois Møller
A male-dominated workforce with unique challenges
Approximately half of the employees in the Operations Center are machine operators working in the forests. The other half are office staff.
Initially, it was difficult to engage the machine operators with HR-ON Wellbeing. Many were less digitally oriented, while administrative staff quickly adopted the solution.
“All our machine operators are men, and this group has been the most difficult to motivate. Office employees respond more consistently, and several have been in the red zone, received help and openly shared their experiences.”
In a male-dominated industry, Peter Chrois Møller was not surprised that extra effort was required:
“Generally, we men react too late. If it’s physical, like a broken leg, it’s easier to talk about. But psychological challenges are often kept to ourselves. Still, many of those who have spoken openly about receiving help through HR-ON Wellbeing have actually been men. That shows we are moving in the right direction.”
An eye-opener for leadership
On both an individual and organizational level, HR-ON Wellbeing has provided valuable insight.
“The most important reminder for me as a manager is that even when 33 out of 40 employees respond continuously and everything seems fine, there are often one or two in the red or yellow zone – without you noticing it in daily interactions.”
“It has been a reminder that you must care for the silent majority who appear to be thriving. There is often someone struggling, and they can be difficult to spot. HR-ON Wellbeing has given us deeper insight and been a real eye-opener.”
Summary
– The Danish Nature Agency has used HR-ON Wellbeing for 7 years.
– Proactive wellbeing efforts help identify hidden stress.
– Male-dominated environments require targeted engagement.
– Leadership gains valuable insight into the “silent majority.”
– Early intervention strengthens wellbeing and organizational resilience.
