How successful Swedish organisations achieve sustainable health

The costs connected with the rapidly increasing number of sick leaves have risen to alarming levels in Sweden and, for instance, Norway and the Netherlands. To find out how to handle the situation on an organisational level, a case study has been carried out at two organisations, which have been awarded for their excellent working environment and low number of sick leaves. One is a small manufacturing company and the other is a large public health care organisation. Both organisations are nonhierarchical with responsibility and authority delegated to different groups. The data collection has mainly been carried out through brainstorming in groups, structured in tree diagrams, complemented by interviews. Important methodologies for the managers are emphasis on low prestige and visibility, and functioning as coaches with activities aimed at building relations. On the basis of the result of this study, suggestions are presented, which are considered possible for other organisations to adopt.