Orkland municipality is a municipality located in Trøndelag county, Norway. It was established on 1 January 2020, following the merging of four smaller municipalities: Agdenes, Meldal, Orkdal and Snillfjord. It is situated in the traditional district of Orkdalen. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Orkanger, which is situated in the Orkdalen valley in Trøndelag county. Orkanger is located on the Orkla River and has a population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants. It is an important industrial centre in the region, with various industries such as engineering, manufacturing and technology (Orkland kommune, 2023). Orkanger is also known for its nature attractions, with the river and surrounding nature providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and boating. The surrounding region as a whole is characterised by its landscapes, including the mountains, forests and lakes. Orkland is also known for agriculture, dairy farming in particular, which benefits from the fertile soils and abundant natural resources in the valley.

The town of Orkanger in Orkland municipality is approximately 37 kilometres south of Trondheim, the third-largest city in Norway, giving it fairly close proximity to one of the major cities in the country. It is well-connected to other parts of Norway and its proximity to Trondheim gives residents easy access to a wider range of services and amenities. The municipality has seen moderate population growth in recent years.

Orkland offers a mixture of public and private sector job opportunities. The public sector is a fairly large employer in the area, especially in the sectors of education, healthcare and local government (interview 2 and technology (Orkland kommune, 2023). The private sector includes manufacturing, services and tourism. The region is also known for agriculture, forestry and fishing. Orkanger is an important industrial centre, with several industrial companies and factories, including a large industrial park. The municipality also benefits from tourism due to its scenic nature and historical sites. The labour market in Orkland and its surrounding areas is relatively stable, but specific job market conditions have varied over time (interview 1).

Orkland and the wider region of Trøndelag generally enjoy a good standard of living. The area has access to quality healthcare facilities, education and public services, and benefits greatly in its proximity to Trondheim in this sense. Orkland has witnessed significant development in recent years, with a focus on modernising infrastructure, promoting sustainable industries and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The municipality aims to attract businesses and more permanent residents, and enhance transportation networks and secure investments to create more job opportunities and ensure long-term growth.

At a national level, Norway does not have a specific remote work strategy or policy in place. None the less, there are several policies both at national and local level that address related matters. The Strategy for small towns and larger towns as regional powerhouses focuses on some key aspects related to regional development, remote work and distance learning (Kommunal- og moderniseringsdepartementet, 2021). The government aims to prioritise measures that support the co-location of small and new businesses, fostering collaborations between companies and knowledge environments. This is viewed as a way to enhance regional growth and create opportunities for innovation and economic development in smaller communities. In the same strategy, the government also recognises the potential of remote work and the importance of involving businesses early on in the process. It emphasises the need for smart procurement and contract strategies, allowing employers to make better use of the workforce nationwide. This flexible approach is also seen as a way to help create opportunities for individuals to work from anywhere, reducing geographical constraints and supporting regional development (interview 3).

Additionally, the government encourages the exploration of remote workspaces and shared office spaces. It urges municipalities and county municipalities to collaborate with private sector stakeholders to maximise the potential of local infrastructure and create workspaces for entrepreneurs and remote workers. By utilising existing buildings and establishing shared office spaces for government employees, it aims to promote regional development and provide opportunities for remote and distance work. To ensure connectivity and accessibility, the government plans to invest in roads, expanding residential and labour markets and linking them more closely to small towns and larger urban areas. This investment will improve transportation infrastructure, making it easier for individuals to commute to work or access services, ultimately enabling more flexible remote work arrangements (interview 2).

Digital infrastructure plans also highlight the use of technology to provide smart solutions for transportation in rural areas, improve connectivity and enable remote work opportunities in these regions. A plan to deliver national 5G coverage will support remote work by providing reliable, high-speed internet access to remote and rural areas. In addition, the government aims to ensure that every household and business in Norway has access to minimum download and upload speeds of 100 Mbit/s and 10 Mbit/s, respectively, by the end of 2025. This commitment to improving digital infrastructure will enable seamless remote work opportunities and ensure that individuals can effectively participate in the digital economy from any location in the country (Kommunal- og moderniseringsdepartementet, 2021).

The local policies of Orkland municipality are in harmony with national policies. Their specific plans, e.g. attracting more residents and creating more meaningful opportunities, as well as their participatory developed plan, all recognise remote work opportunities as important. While these plans focus on rural development, attracting new residents and remote work opportunities in Orkland municipality, they all refer back to the goal of strengthening the settlement base. This is mainly discussed in terms of improving municipal services, promoting economic development, creating attractive residential environments and targeting specific groups through strategic marketing (Orkland kommune, 2020; 2021a: 2021b; 2021c and interviews).

Orkland’s policies also highlights the importance of collaboration with businesses, organisations and cultural institutions to provide employment opportunities and a sense of community. The municipality recognises the need for skilled workers and skill development to meet future demands, ensure job diversification and provide quality services. To attract and retain people, factors such as meaningful work, good working conditions and opportunities for personal and professional growth are highlighted. Lastly, the reputation of the municipality’s brand and overall attractiveness are prioritised for it to become an appealing place to live and work (interviews).

The landscape of remote work and migration efforts is a complex one as highlighted by interviewees in Orkland municipality. The municipality aims to promote sustainable and productive work environments while also seeking to increase migration and strengthen its settlement base. Remote work is identified as a significant aspect of work arrangements in Orkland municipality. Remote work is discussed internally and adopted to existing policies but mainly it is viewed as one of the features that can make the municipality an attractive place to live.

Many employees that have the possibility to do so, have already adopted hybrid work arrangements since the pandemic. Those working in planning in Orkland see the possibilities to utilise remote work opportunities as a regional development tool. Discussions mainly highlight the positive perception of job design and leadership among remote workers in hybrid work arrangements, but they are also aware of possible negative aspects of full-time remote work such as work-life balance and health (Olafsen et al, 2023).

In terms of migration efforts, the municipality recognises that overall economic development is the strongest influencing factor for population growth. However, they also seek to influence migration by creating conditions that enhance the settlement base, focusing on quality municipal services, economic development, attractive residential environments and strategic marketing. Repeatedly interviewees emphasise the importance of collaboration with businesses, organisations, voluntary groups and cultural institutions to provide employment opportunities and a welcoming local community for new residents. The most important factor is the general attractivity of the municipality as a place to live. Therefore, the municipality’s efforts also extend to marketing their strengths, qualities and opportunities. They also acknowledge the need to develop new residential areas to create attractiveness for housing, business, culture and tourism. Moreover, digital infrastructure needs to be in place. Volunteerism and collaboration are key components of the community’s history, and both play a crucial role in its success (Ingelsrud et al, 2022 and interviews).

The focus on co-working spaces in this relation is also prominent in Orkland. Such facilities are viewed as having benefits for remote workers in various ways. They provide well-equipped workspaces, fostering productivity and focus. They also encourage collaboration and networking among individuals from different industries. It is also highlighted that they are cost-effective alternatives to traditional office spaces and are often subsidised by authorities. Moreover, they help maintain a healthy work-life balance by creating a clear separation between work and personal life, and are therefore viewed as an optimal environment for innovation to thrive and to attract possible new remote workers (interviews).

Attracting new residents, creating a more diverse job market, securing skilled labour and strengthening the economic foundations of the municipality are clear priorities. Challenges faced by the municipality are discussed openly, including climate change, the green transition and living conditions. The municipality expresses its need to develop sustainably, socially, economically and environmentally in line with national and global frameworks, and attracting new people is seen as absolute key in this transition. Digitalisation, remote work and providing more distance education are often mentioned by interviewees when addressing this. It is also highlighted that this requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including state authorities, businesses, voluntary organisations and the residents themselves. Challenges related to demographics and increased demands for services in Orkland municipality play a vital role in the prioritised policies. The municipality recognises the need for strategic staffing and competence development to meet changing needs and provide high-quality municipal services. They aim to professionalise recruitment efforts, harmonise common practices and increase the number of apprenticeships available in the region. Additionally, they emphasise the importance of reducing social exclusion and promoting an inclusive community in their efforts to promote themselves as an attractive place to live, and to work.

In conclusion, our case study of Orkland municipality sheds a light on the complexity of remote work, migration efforts and the challenges faced by Orkland municipality. While striving to create sustainable work environments, promote migration and address demographic challenges, the municipality is confronted with several obstacles. One of the challenges is attracting and retaining employees. Despite focusing on factors such as meaningful work, good working conditions and opportunities for development, the municipality needs to continuously adapt and improve what it has to offer to remain competitive in the labour market. The municipality acknowledges the importance of its brand, reputation, and overall attractiveness as an employer and as a place to establish a business. However, enhancing these aspects poses ongoing challenges.

Remote work is seen as one of the puzzles of attracting more residents to the region. However, the main focus of the municipality is on the overall attractiveness of Orkland for residents, and the quality of life it can offer. This includes a clean and safe environment, access to good basic necessities such as healthcare and education, and a sense of community. Also to be viewed as a place with opportunities for personal growth, career advancement and a healthy work-life balance. The beautiful natural surroundings are also seen as contributing to the attractiveness of Orkland, by providing opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Additionally, the availability of infrastructure, including transportation options, good connectivity and affordable housing, are things that Orkland highlights, with remote work possibilities being seen as one element in this large equation.

Additionally, the government’s approach recognises the need for regional development and the adoption of remote work opportunities. In conclusion, Orkland municipality is committed to addressing these challenges and capitalising on the opportunities presented by remote work and possible migration. By continuously adapting its strategies, investing in digital infrastructure, and fostering inclusive and sustainable work environments, the municipality aims to overcome these hurdles and create thriving communities that offer equal opportunities for all.

The pilot initiative “Statens Hus” (State House) was launched in the municipalities of Stad, Orkland, Narvik and Lyngdal in 2021, and will continue until 2024. The collaboration involves the municipal and state agencies located in the pilot municipalities, county municipality and state administration. The municipality acts as the local project leader.

The goal of the “Statens Hus” pilot is to strengthen collaboration in competence clusters and potentially co-locate smaller units of state agencies in the same residential and labour market region. The aim is to strengthen the overall professional, public competence environment in the region and make it easier to retain and recruit expertise in the state agencies located in the pilot areas. The pilot initiative is intended to provide knowledge for the further development of localisation policies for smaller places.

The individual pilot projects have specified their local sub-goals. Some of the prioritised topics include service innovation and development, collaboration in preventive efforts focused on youth, measures to reduce digital exclusion, analytical collaboration, collaboration in competence development, recruitment, and co-location. The pilot initiative is being evaluated by Oxford Research AS to facilitate ongoing learning and assess the results of the pilot work based on national and local objectives.