New requirements for the psychosocial work environment: Why dialogue matters more than ever
Eirin Eriksen Horvei
October 14, 2026
In Norwegian working life, time pressure is something many people recognise. Having a lot to do has become a kind of status symbol; after all, we like to feel important! At the same time, there are also increased expectations of both output and quality. We are supposed to do the same job we have always done, but faster and better.
The objective form of time pressure is the one we can measure – for example in the form of overtime, or tasks being cut back because of a lack of time (Trygstad, 2003). The subjective form is the employee's own experience that there isn't enough time. Here there will be individual differences. Some will experience time pressure as a stress factor, while others will be happy with the rush. Some will associate time pressure with money and enjoyment, while others will associate it with negative feelings and stress. By extension, a high level of stress over time can lead to burnout.
Richardsen & Martinussen (2008) explain that “burnout can be seen as the result of a job that was initially interesting, meaningful and challenging becoming unsatisfying and meaningless through an impossible work situation. Energy turns into exhaustion, engagement into cynicism, and perceived mastery into a feeling of ineffectiveness”. People who are on their way to burning out will also often try to reverse this development by spending more time at work and taking on more tasks (Matthiesen & Roness, 2002).
We can also make employees who experience high pressure robust enough to handle it. The solution doesn't have to be to cut tasks or increase the time, which is often the most intuitive solution. The solution can be to increase the supply of resources so that tasks feel more manageable – and in many cases more motivating!
Resources can be anything from the equipment required, money or material things, to a sparring partner or support from a manager/colleagues.
Social support in the workplace has proven to be particularly important, and can both have a positive impact on employees' working day and act as a good buffer in stressful situations. Even with many challenging tasks, employees will experience mastery when the right resources are available. Plenty of resources, even in a busy everyday life, can therefore increase employees' motivation and engagement.
Take the time perspective seriously and don't leave it out of the employee appraisal – perhaps this is exactly what is causing the lack of motivation and mastery.
Author: Malin Elisabet Lilletvedt, Organisational Adviser at Motivati.
