Karasak and Theorell's demand/control model for analyzing work environment posits a high degree of both demands and control for active or good working conditions, while stress occurs when demands are plentiful, but there are few possibilities of control. This article addresses a significant increase of work-related demands for the employees of the public sector in Sweden. It also explores the potential contribution of social enterprises to enrich work environment and provide ‘good work’. The empirical data was taken from two separate studies of work environment at Swedish childcare facilities, one from 1994–95 and another from 2006–07. The article shows that work environment conditions changed radically about 20 years ago and that the effects are still apparent today. The results also show, however, that small, social enterprises continue to offer a better work environment than public facilities.