"Tender Nordland Research Institute "thank you"
Good atmosphere and good food characterized the celebration of Wibeke Bjørkli's impressive Nordland Research Institute -career. Photo: Thoralf Fagertun
For 38 years, Wibeke Bjørkli has taken care of the researchers at Nordland Research Institute Now the era is over.
For four decades, Researchers visited Wibeke's office, knowing full well that the solution to their problem would be found there. The energetic Finnmark native has offered everything from cleaning the counter to spiritual care, as well as a scathing mouth when the guest has deserved that type of treatment.
Not that Wibeke has been in the office very often. As a handywoman, she has been everywhere, armed with decorative napkins, computer cables and a drill, always ready for a new urgent assignment. Wibeke never walks anywhere, she keeps a pace between a march and a light jog. The quick steps have been developed over many years, to traverse the endless corridors of Nordland Research in the most efficient way possible.
But now it's over. And the corridors lie quietly behind.
– I would never have stayed so long if I didn't enjoy it, says Mor Nordland Research Institute . – The most important reason for that has been the people, lots of nice people.
The most exciting personality
People, yes, Companies of a certain age will eventually create their own monuments. Wibeke is one of them. Nordlandsforskning's meritorious school researcher Karl-Jan Solstad (88) is another. In 1984, he found himself in an office near the center of Bodø, in the position of director of the newly founded research institute. Across from him sat a 19-year-old Wibeke Bjørkli, on a job interview. She made an impression.
– There were probably applicants with more experience, but since the position was an initiative funded by the municipality to get young people into work, we were able to choose the candidate with the most exciting personality, recalls Solstad.
The position thus went to the lively 19-year-old with the very colorful use of language.
– If I am remembered for something I have done by Nordland Research Institute , that's enough to have hired Wibeke, Solstad concludes.
Because while the school researcher periodically sought happiness elsewhere, the girl from Vardø was here to stay. She followed Nordland Research Institute from the city center to Mørkved, and eventually from the administration building to its current location on the third floor above the Bodø School of Economics.
Care and Curse
The workday was busy, varied and spiced with madness. The annual feud with the guys from the floor below who always stole the Christmas tree, the April Fool's jokes that culminated in cress growing on the keyboard of an unlucky researcher, the parties with the house band, the internal joke newspaper, songs, movies, overambitious ski trips.
– There was probably a lighter atmosphere before, people weren't as focused on careers as they are now. There have been a lot of strange things over the years, a lot of jokes and good camaraderie, says Wibeke.
But also seriousness. The Finnmarking's temperament and eminent ability to fervently curse have put many a researcher in his place and well and good. External forces have also been chased out or made to feel the Finnmark hairdryer.
And yet the lady is loved by everyone. Even those who have been told off put out the cookies.
- I am not slow-witted and have a good relationship with both Researchers and others. Even Statsbygg has invited me for coffee, Wibeke grins and gives her characteristic laugh, which could have been sold at the pharmacy for use against depression and winter depression.
Even the boss himself, CEO Iselin Marstrander, is deeply impressed by how the tough-talking Vardø native keeps the balance between carrot and stick.
– Wibeke can be extremely angry and say exactly what she thinks, while at the same time being the most caring of us all, says Marstrander.
– This contrast between severity and love has influenced Nordland Research Institute Positive, there is no doubt about that.
Wibeke Bjørkli. A unique mix of care and curse. Hardworking, service-minded, tough and totally allergic to sewing. How do you create a Wibeke? What factors must be present? A rough childhood in Finnmark in the 60s and 70s is probably a good part of the explanation. Because that's where it all happened.
Got beaten, gave a beating
Wibeke grew up with her grandparents in Vardø, at a time when kids didn't sit inside and look at their phones.
– We were outside the whole time and had our food served through the window. A fish cake in our hand. Maybe we were inside for a few hours in the winter to listen to Children's Time, she says.
– I had a wonderful childhood. We were everywhere.
So where would you find Wibeke on a typical childhood day? Maybe she was walking with one of the fox cubs from the farm, maybe she was jumping in the hay, ripping up dried fish, starting a grass fire or blowing up old German matchsticks in the neighborhood. It's not unlikely that she was fighting either.
– I often got into fights with someone. Today I would probably get a diagnosis, but back then I was just fucking naughty. And one of the few girls who fights with the guys, says Wibeke.
So while one of her friends held her glasses, Wibeke went to war, fists first.
– I got used to taking care of myself, to getting beaten and giving a beating. There was no sympathy to be had at home, sewing was out of the question.
And when the tough fighter turned 12, it was time to roll up his sleeves and start working life.
Service and food
The kids in Finnmark learned to take on a challenge early on. Wibeke worked in a grocery store, washed on the ferry, fitted line for the fishermen, worked with capelin and whale meat, at the fillet and shrimp factory, she hoeed grass and hauled in hay, and generally helped wherever there was a need.
Varied work experience, tireless effort and a fierce mouth. It's clear that Director Solstad saw potential.
He was rewarded early for his employment, when Wibeke managed to hold the flight to Oslo, so that a delayed Solstad could still join him.
Making an extraordinary effort for Nordlandsforskning's employees is one of Wibeke's trademarks. Einar Lier Madsen can attest to that. He was office manager in the early 90s and later became RESEARCHER I the food group.
– Wibeke is a great example of good service, she goes far beyond what one would expect a person to do, says Lier Madsen.
– She sets the standard so high that many who have worked with her Nordland Research Institute , is disappointed with his next workplace.
"We are here for the researchers. I have always done my best to ensure that they are well," says Wibeke herself.
– Service is important. Coziness is important. I like to organize for Christmas and Easter and things like that. It can't just be work, stress and hustle, there has to be a little coziness too.
And therefore it was only right and reasonable that Mother Nordland Research Institute was thanked in a packed Large Meeting Room, with delicious food, coffee and cakes, kind words and a great atmosphere.
Now a new era begins for both Wibeke and those left on the third floor without her.
Remembering the job with pleasure
It is health that is forcing Wibeke to step down a few years ahead of schedule. She has overcome an illness that would have taken the life of many, but now it is time to find peace. And as her upbringing has taught her, there is no point in complaining.
– There is a time for everything. Retiring now is fine. I rarely get bored, so I will probably make the days pass, says Wibeke.
– It's a bit of a shame, of course. I'm going to miss having someone to boss around. So the old man and the boys at home are probably a bit worried right now.
Somewhere between 200 and 300 Researchers has benefited from Wibeke's service for the past 38 years. A dozen directors have come and gone.
– I have had good years at Nordland Research Institute and will remember the job with pleasure. I have been surrounded by only great Researchers and great bosses, says Mother Nordland Research Institute , before the grin suddenly reappears. – Or, well, almost only great bosses.
