What is everyday life like at an unemployment fund?
The results of an opinion poll conducted by the fund last year indicated that many people would be interested to see what a normal day looks like at the fund and what kind of work we do. Come and find out!
The Super unemployment fund employs about 26 people, about 20 of whom process benefit applications or handle recoveries. The rest of the employees are responsible for ensuring the fund operates efficiently day-to-day.
The fund receives about 3,000 daily allowance applications per month
The benefit processors are responsible for daily allowance applications. Their work is diverse and challenging because no two applications received by the fund are alike. The benefit processors handle applications for earnings-related allowances, job alternation allowances, mobility allowances and transition security allowances. Some applications are processed quickly, while others may take several days. The work also includes telephone service, active communication with members and other authorities, several team meetings each week and possibly also meetings about various projects. One working day can easily include many different tasks.
Learning something new every day
The Unemployment Security Act is amended frequently, calling for continuous training and learning new things. So no one can say the job is boring! The coronavirus pandemic taught us at the fund that laws can change in the blink of an eye. Not only do we need to know the latest developments in the Unemployment Security Act, but we also need to communicate them effectively to our members and benefit applicants. This is a big part of a processor’s job.
Many of the fund’s personnel have worked there for several decades and seen how things have changed for unemployment funds. During the coronavirus pandemic, the fund’s personnel swiftly adapted to remote work. Most of the fund’s employees have continued to work remotely for most of their working time. Teams and other digital tools make it easy for colleagues to stay in touch, which is an important aspect of processing work, helping employees cope under pressure.
What is best about our work
I asked the personnel what they thought was best about our work. The same themes were repeated time and again.
The best part of the job is learning new things all the time. The Unemployment Security Act is amended so often that you need to remain constantly up-to-date. I feel I am doing important and meaningful work.
Although the working weeks are busy and challenging, the work is so interesting that you often forget when it is time to stop. The best things are the varied applications and satisfied customers, not to mention the wonderful colleagues.