The Ministry of Narrative is a foundation that has received much attention for its work in supporting children in vulnerable areas.
In various educational centers in the country, children can take part in free school programs that will "entice them to conquer the written word."
In December, 36 former employees went out on a joint appeal and warned that the workplace was characterized by a fear of reprisals, stress and high staff turnover.
- It makes me sad to read this and it is time for self-examination in every way, said Dilsa Demirbag-Sten, Secretary General of the Ministry of Narratives, when Kulturnyheterna reported on the criticism.
Many registrations
In connection with the call, the Swedish Work Environment Authority received just over 20 reports against the Ministry of Narratives, and at the beginning of February an inspection was carried out at the workplace.
The authority then found that it is unclear whether the Narrative Ministry has really investigated all factors that may cause a risk of ill health among employees.
- It could be stated that it was not clear enough whether the survey really addressed issues related to the organizational and social work environment.
These include: is there a high workload ?, is it unclear what to do ?, do you get the support you need to cope with the task ?, says Elseann Lundgren, section manager at the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
Are these serious views?
- It is serious if you do not have a system in your work environment work.
That you do not have a routine for working preventively.
One should try to avoid that even employees get sick from their work.
It's serious if you do not have a grip on it.
Conducted external review
The Ministry of Narrative Affairs' Secretary General Dilsa Demirbag-Sten says that she welcomes the criticism from the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
- We of course welcome all external review.
It is an opportunity for a start-up and a small organization to learn lessons and make improvements.
Following the call from the former employees, the Ministry of Narrative has, among other things, commissioned the auditing firm Ernst & Young to conduct an external investigation of the work environment.
According to Ernst & Young's review, the call's allegations that staff were laid off during sick leave and parental leave are not true, and it is said that no evidence has been found that employees have left due to a poor working environment.
- But I want to emphasize that factual issues are one thing.
We will never question what previous employees know and experience, says Dilsa Demirbag-Sten.
The Ministry of Narratives must respond to the Swedish Work Environment Authority on how to remedy the shortcomings by 2 May.
Otherwise, the business risks fines or bans.