Novo Nordisk's success has not only driven Denmark's economic growth, but also led to an increasingly fierce talent war in the local labor market. As of September this year, the company employed about 32,000 employees across Denmark, and the number of employees has increased by 75% in less than three years.
How exaggerated is Novo Nordisk's talent war? Because Novo Nordisk offers higher salaries and more attractive career opportunities, many small businesses are forced to close or relocate because they cannot compete with it. For example, Flint Auto, a car service shop in Kalundborg, was forced to close because employees jumped to Novo Nordisk.

Construction-related industries are facing a loss of talent, and many companies have to refuse orders due to lack of employees. The clinical microbiology department of a local hospital lost about 10 employees to Novo Nordisk in two years, and it was difficult to recruit new people. Some manufacturing companies have moved production abroad to cope with labor shortages. Previously, Novo Nordisk also invested more than $8 billion in building a new factory at its production base in Kalundborg.

By the end of 2023, the base will have about 4,500 employees, equivalent to a quarter of the local population. Even city government employees have been lost to the pharmaceutical company, according to the mayor of Kalundborg.

Novo Nordisk not only attracts scientists and medical workers, but also talents from all walks of life, such as mechanics, teachers, and even soldiers. According to Christin Tuxen, head of Nordic SME business at Danske Bank, Denmark's largest bank, this situation has made it difficult for many companies to fill vacancies.
It is crucial to find a solution to the labor shortage. To alleviate the labor shortage, the Danish government has taken a series of measures to relax overseas recruitment restrictions, extend the tax incentive program for foreign employees, and plan to further reform to attract foreign labor. Minister of Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek said that in the context of low unemployment, attracting and retaining foreign labor is key.

Some companies have also taken a series of measures to retain talent, such as improving remuneration, providing training and promotion opportunities, and considering remote work to expand recruitment.

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/