The article discusses the prevalent issue of illegal discrimination against employees taking parental leave in Norway. Legal experts note that employees often experience changes in their positions without input during their leave. This situation usually leads to the employee being unable to return to their original position, as either a temporary replacement takes over the job or the position is significantly altered. Many large companies reportedly engage in these practices more or less systematically, indicating a deeper organizational issue.

Moreover, Norwegian law, specifically section 33 of the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act, provides special protection for employees on parental leave. It asserts the right of an employee returning from parental leave to return to the same position as before their absence. However, the article reveals that employers sometimes fail to adhere to this legal requirement, undermining the rights of parents and negatively affecting workplace equality and corporate culture.

The implications of this discrimination extend beyond individual cases; weak personnel management in companies can hinder their adaptability and profitability. The article calls for a stronger commitment to ensuring that employees can return to their previous positions or equivalent roles after taking parental leave, highlighting the need for legislative enforcement and improved workplace practices around parental rights.