"It is bloody boring to do the same thing over and over again" : About work engagement among female officers in the Norwegian army

Abstract

The Norwegian Armed Forces have not achieved their aim of employing 20% women in military positions. Work engagement is emphasized as an important factor for preventing employees to quit work. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate which factors Norwegian female officers in the Norwegian Army highlight as important for their work engagement. We interviewed twelve female officers in depth. The findings indicate that an active job, social support (from men), work-home balance and career adaptation to phases of life are important for the work engagement of female officers. Gradually in their careers, the army’s peace-keeping role appear to be important. The study shows that the army should develop their human resource management policy with adaptation to life phases for their officers.