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Challenging industry norms: EMJ-Atcon puts people first

Greenland’s construction industry is undergoing a quiet but significant shift. For decades, speed, endurance, and long workweeks have been an accepted part of life on construction sites. But a new generation of leaders is rethinking the rules. For them, sustainable construction is not only about materials and CO₂ — it’s about people.

At EMJ-Atcon in Nuuk, the leadership has set out to change course. Deputy Director and Partner Dan L. Sørensen speaks of breaking with a culture where 60-hour workweeks were seen as necessary, and where quality sometimes took second place.

“We want to be a beacon for quality, safety, and responsible construction in Greenland. That requires us to challenge old habits and dare to put people before machines,” says Deputy Director and Partner Dan L. Sørensen.

The company, whose roots go back to the early 1970s, has left a significant mark on Greenlandic construction projects and is now in the midst of a strategic transformation. The goal is to develop both the company and the wider industry through better leadership principles, shorter workweeks, and a stronger focus on well-being and quality rather than quantity.

Deputy Director and Partner Dan L. Sørensen at one of EMJ-Atcon’s construction projects in Nuuk on a snowy winter day.

A modern working life

At EMJ-Atcon, the goal is not to make employees work more — but to work better. The six-day workweek that still characterizes many construction sites in Greenland is, over time, to be replaced by a structure where 40-hour weeks and free weekends are the norm.

“We believe that a craftsperson who has time for family and leisure shows up at work with more energy. That leads to higher quality and fewer mistakes. It benefits both customers and society,” says Dan Sørensen.

He points out that strain and stress in the industry come at a high cost — in the form of burnout and shortened careers. EMJ-Atcon wants to change that culture. “We need to move away from the idea that you only create value if you work 60 hours a week. It’s neither healthy nor sustainable.”

Responsible construction built by people

EMJ-Atcon’s vision, “Responsible construction – quality built by people,” is the framework for the company’s work. It is about more than buildings: it is about creating value, development, and learning throughout the community.

The company sees itself as part of a larger ecosystem, where every project should leave behind skills, experience, and engagement locally. This is why the company prioritizes apprenticeships, safety, and continuous competence development.

“We are not just building buildings — we’re building capacity. When a project is completed, something should remain: knowledge, jobs, and people who grow with the task,” says Dan Sørensen.

Quality over speed

The new working-hour principles mean that some projects may take a little longer. But EMJ-Atcon believes the extra time pays off.

“When the pace slows slightly, quality increases. We see fewer accidents, better collaboration, and a more stable team. It’s an investment in quality — not wasted time,” he says.

The company sees the initiative as a natural continuation of the culture already present. Among employees, there is open dialogue about responsibility, honesty, and curiosity — the values that, according to the company’s leadership principles, define a constructive colleague.

A strong local footprint

Dan Sørensen emphasizes that Greenland’s upcoming infrastructure investments only generate lasting value if they translate into local jobs and skills.

“When foreign contractors take the projects, knowledge and money leave the country. We need to use these investments strategically to strengthen our own companies and professionals,” he says.

EMJ-Atcon already works this way. Most employees live in Greenland, and the company collaborates closely with local suppliers and subcontractors. “When you build a school that your own child will attend, you take a different kind of responsibility. It creates quality — and pride,” he adds.

A new standard for the industry

According to EMJ-Atcon, the shift away from six-day workweeks and established industry routines is not just an internal effort. It is a signal to the entire sector that modern construction requires new priorities.

“We don’t believe in short-term gains. We believe in long-lasting buildings and long-lasting people. We hope that others in the industry will follow,” says Dan Sørensen.

He sees this work as the beginning of a broader shift in Greenland’s construction sector — from a focus on price and speed to a focus on responsibility, quality, and well-being.

“We have been building in Greenland for over 50 years. We want to be here for the next 50 as well. That requires us to take care of both our employees and our society.”

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