CDE, flow²thrive and the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) have been awarded a grant to develop a feasibility study for the development of a Sustainable Human Work Index (SHWI) and deep-tech platform to transform workplace practices within the Metals & Minerals Industry.  

The project is set to run from November 2024 to June 2025, and will be funded through the Swedish Metals & Minerals Impact Innovation-programme, a collaborative initiative between the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas (the government research council for sustainable development) and the Swedish Innovation Agency (Vinnova).

A significant step toward more sustainable, brain-health-centric workplaces in the Swedish Metals & Minerals Industry

The SHWI project represents a transformative shift for Sweden’s metals & minerals industry as it transitions from traditional physically demanding, to more cognitively demanding and tech-enabled roles and addresses the urgent need to prioritise brain health, mental wellbeing, and cognitive performance in workplace environments.

The project seeks to fill a critical gap in current sustainability and workplace health standards by creating an index that considers factors impacting cognitive health, alongside metrics for work and lifestyle habits, mental wellbeing, productivity and cognitive performance, through a deep-tech enabled platform, designed to collect and analyse data and provide industry-specific insights to drive healthier and more productive workspaces.

The initiative also aims to make the industry more attractive. It will, not only enhance productivity, but also foster a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable future in the industry, and help establish Sweden as a global leader in sustainable work environments.

A collaborative effort for more attractive, inclusive and healthy workplaces

CDE contributes with a strong foundation in ergonomics and human-centered design, whilst flow²thrive brings extensive experience in human sustainability, applied neuroscience and workplace wellbeing. RISE’s role as an independent party ensures ethical rigor and validation throughout the project.

The project team will leverage the expertise of key stakeholders across the metal and minerals industry, academia, and deep/well-tech industries. By incorporating perspectives from within and beyond the sector, the study aims to set new benchmarks for industry attractiveness and inclusivity.  

For more information on the SHWI feasibility study and its potential impact, please contact:

flow2thrive: Linda Jarnhamn

CDE: Hampus Schäring

RISE: Jonas Andersson

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