Why Norway is falling behind on flexible pay
Why Norway is falling behind on flexible pay
Norway is among the most digitalized countries in the world. We have cloud-based solutions, fast payments, and automation across industries. Yet, few employers offer flexible pay. What’s holding us back, and what can we learn from those who have already taken the step?
Norway is among the most digitalized countries in the world. We have cloud-based solutions, fast payments, and automation across industries. Yet, few employers offer flexible pay. What’s holding us back, and what can we learn from those who have already taken the step?
Christoffer Skoe
Christoffer Skoe
Aug 26, 2025
Aug 26, 2025
The technology is ready, but habits remain stuck in the past
The technology is ready, but habits remain stuck in the past
BankID, Vipps, and instant transfers are part of everyday life for most Norwegians. In many ways, Norway is technologically far ahead of other European countries. That makes it even more surprising that real-time pay is still rare. It’s not the technology that’s missing.
Instead, the barrier lies in attitudes and structures that haven’t kept pace with the rest of the digital work environment. Many companies still rely on manual routines and monthly payments as the standard. It works, but it doesn’t meet the needs of employees who could benefit from access to their pay in real time.
BankID, Vipps, and instant transfers are part of everyday life for most Norwegians. In many ways, Norway is technologically far ahead of other European countries. That makes it even more surprising that real-time pay is still rare. It’s not the technology that’s missing.
Instead, the barrier lies in attitudes and structures that haven’t kept pace with the rest of the digital work environment. Many companies still rely on manual routines and monthly payments as the standard. It works, but it doesn’t meet the needs of employees who could benefit from access to their pay in real time.
Employees need flexible pay
Employees need flexible pay
According to a survey by FinHealth Network, more than half of employees experience financial stress at least once a month. In Norway, NAV has reported that more and more young people struggle with unpredictable finances, especially in industries with shift work and part-time positions.
For this group, flexible pay isn’t a perk, it’s a necessity. Having to wait three weeks for wages they’ve already earned can lead to costly consumer loans, unnecessary stress, and lower job motivation.
According to a survey by FinHealth Network, more than half of employees experience financial stress at least once a month. In Norway, NAV has reported that more and more young people struggle with unpredictable finances, especially in industries with shift work and part-time positions.
For this group, flexible pay isn’t a perk, it’s a necessity. Having to wait three weeks for wages they’ve already earned can lead to costly consumer loans, unnecessary stress, and lower job motivation.
Examples of real-time pay in other countries
Examples of real-time pay in other countries
In the UK, both Tesco and the National Health Service (NHS) have implemented real-time pay to reduce sick leave and attract new employees. In the Netherlands, flexible pay is integrated directly into staffing systems, and in the US, companies like Walmart and Target use it as part of their strategy to reduce turnover.
According to the report Real-Time Payments, more than 266 billion real-time payments were made globally in 2023, a 42 percent increase from the year before. All signs point to real-time pay becoming the new standard.
We know the need is there. The technology is already in place, and perhaps it’s precisely pay flexibility that can give people a little more control, a little less stress, and a stronger connection to the work they do.
Take the first step here.
In the UK, both Tesco and the National Health Service (NHS) have implemented real-time pay to reduce sick leave and attract new employees. In the Netherlands, flexible pay is integrated directly into staffing systems, and in the US, companies like Walmart and Target use it as part of their strategy to reduce turnover.
According to the report Real-Time Payments, more than 266 billion real-time payments were made globally in 2023, a 42 percent increase from the year before. All signs point to real-time pay becoming the new standard.
We know the need is there. The technology is already in place, and perhaps it’s precisely pay flexibility that can give people a little more control, a little less stress, and a stronger connection to the work they do.
Take the first step here.
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