When the job at ODIN is the last normal

Four years ago, Michael Bøgeskov was in the middle of his life as a successful purchaser at ODIN Engineering. Today, his and his family’s life has been turned upside down. Michael has developed a rare, progressive and debilitating disease and now works only 10.5 hours a week in a flexi-job, for which he is deeply grateful.

“It’s plain bad luck that I suffer from superficial siderosis. This disease affects only one in a million people. But given the circumstances, I’m very lucky to have ODIN as my employer. Without their support and patience, I would have been in a very bad place,” says Michael Bøgeskov.

He is one of the few who is affected by this rare disease, which can be compared to other incurable neurological conditions such as ALS, Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinsons. It happened in the middle of life, where Michael Bøgeskov is happily married, has two half-grown children, a house, works at ODIN Engineering and leads an active leisure life as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor.

A U-turn in life that is hard to accept

Everyday life took a completely different turn when Michael Bøgeskov found out that he had tumours on his spine. It was discovered during a diagnostic process in connection with recurring inflammation of the pancreas.

Several health challenges arose: Symptoms such as signs of blood clots, diabetes, balance problems and hearing loss. It turned out that all of these were symptoms of a much more serious and rare disease.

“I’m told to accept the disease and its conditions. But I rather feel that I have to come to terms with it and adapt my life accordingly. I have to mobilise fighting spirit,” says Michael adding:

“ODIN has been a fantastic support. The company has gone to great lengths to support me. And Britta, who is HR Manager, has been with me all the way. It means a lot to me that I can stay in the job, even if it’s to a limited extent. The 10.5 hours of work a week makes all the difference for me. It’s all I have left of my old life.”

A job that matches the employee’s challenges

“For ODIN Engineering, it has been important to find out how we could retain Michael and his competencies in a way that takes into account what he can handle,” says Britta Hvalsø Olsen, Executive Assistant & HR Manager at ODIN.

She describes a long process where no one really knew why Michael Bøgeskov kept having health problems and had to stay home due to illness. There were a lot of bumps in the road and situations that had to be addressed. When the diagnosis was finally made, it was necessary to look into work opportunities and future and at the same time keep Michael involved in the entire process, even though it has been difficult for him to accept.

“It has been very hard to see Michael struggle to accept his situation. He’s a conscientious and skilled employee, a caring and responsible father, and an active man in his prime, who suddenly had to accept that there are a lot of things he is no longer able to do,” she says adding:

“It’s our values – both as a company and as human beings – to support employees who experience challenges in life. And to try to find solutions that benefit both parties and especially colleagues in the long run. It has to work for all of us”

It’s OK to ask for help

Today, 4 years have passed since Michael Bøgeskov and Britta Hvalsø Olsen began to sense that something was very wrong. As mentioned, it took a long time to reach a diagnosis. Along the way, there has been a good collaboration with the municipality’s skilled caseworker in the Job Centre, where Britta has participated with Michael in most meetings, both as a company representative and also as support.

“Michael has involved me all the way through the process. We’ve discussed symptoms and diagnoses as well as the distress and worry the disease has caused in his everyday life. Therefore, I’ve been able to help establish a solution that suits him and ODIN. The trinity with Michael, the municipality’s caseworker and employer has paid off in the form of a flexi-job. If necessary, I’ve taken over communication with colleagues, especially relating to decisions because it has been difficult for Michael. In addition, the concerns that follow in the wake, e.g. about financial future, which have also been twisted and turned. To the extent it has been possible, I’ve helped with paperwork for the insurance company, so that it was also in flow alongside the diagnosis and the flexi-job decision-making etc.,” says Britta Hvalsø Olsen.

“Britta has been there all the way. Looking back on the course of events, I realise that I should probably have asked for help sooner. I let my insecurities and pride stand in the way,” says Michael Bøgeskov, and Britta nods in agreement.

Read more about Michael Bøgeskov’s experiences of discovering and accepting the disease (Danish)