Norway · Psychosocial work environment · From 1 January 2026
Norway 2026: clarified rules on psychosocial risks, harassment, violence and threats
From 1 January 2026, Norwegian rules on the psychosocial work environment were reorganised and clarified. The Labour Inspection Authority says they add no new requirements for employers.
Short answer
From 1 January 2026, section 4-3 of the Working Environment Act makes clear that the requirement for a fully satisfactory working environment includes the psychosocial environment. New chapters 1A (psychosocial working environment), 2A (harassment) and 3A (violence and threats) were added to the Regulations on the performance of work. Arbeidstilsynet states that the changes do not introduce new requirements for employers. Arbeidstilsynet: psykososialt arbeidsmiljø
What was reorganised?
- Section 4-3 of the Working Environment Act clarifies that the psychosocial environment is part of a fully satisfactory working environment.
- Chapter 1A: the psychosocial working environment.
- Chapter 2A: harassment.
- Chapter 3A: violence and threats. This largely continues the former chapter 23A.
What should employers do?
- Include psychosocial risks in the risk assessment, such as workload, conflict, harassment, violence and threats.
- Check routines for reporting and follow-up of harassment and violence.
- Give information and training suited to the risks in your work. There is no fixed refresher interval.
Treat this as a good moment to review existing routines, not as a new set of obligations.
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Official sources
- Arbeidstilsynet: psykososialt arbeidsmiljøarbeidstilsynet.no · Checked 2026-10-30