Swedish Culture & Lifestyle
> Swedish Culture - The core concepts
Read more about Sweden and its work culture in the links below
> Swedish Office Culture
- Punctuality - On time, not early or late
- Work-Life balance
- Casual ( Both dress code and greetings )
Contrary to most other cultures, it is normal in Sweden to greet your boss by his or her first name. A casual dresscode is observed in most offices, even for interviews!
- " LAGOM "
Lagom - A Swedish/ Norwegian word which loosely translates to "just the right amount." In society it extends to mean that one should not work or stress too much, and only if absolutely necessary.
Normal working hours in Sweden are 40 hours a week with an upper limit of 48 hours. Due to the development of telecommunications and the Covid situation, more and more Swedes are used to working from home.
Always keep in mind, though, that after 5 pm (and maybe even 4pm) most Swedish employees go home to take care of their families. Working overtime is neither valued nor seen as necessary and can be seen as an indication of poor planning and time management.
Workdays are usually from 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Lunch breaks usually last approximately one hour and the most common time to have the break is between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Jantelagen - The law of Jante ( Fictional )
This unwritten "law" or code of conduct created by Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose has been assumed by some to explain the egalitarian nature of Nordic countries.
Among the statutes proclaimed, one should not assume or act in any way that demonstrates they are better, smarter, special, or more important than anyone else. While originally intended as a criticism of society, the Law of Jante has shifted to refer to personal criticism of any persons who want to break from their social groups and reach a new, higher position.
- Swedes and Music
The music culture is very prominent in Sweden, from singing at the dinner table, to celebrating most holidays with special songs to the obsession with the Melody Festival, Melodifestivalen (Eurovision).
- Main Swedish Holidays and Traditions and klämdagar
The main holidays include New Years Day (nyårsdagen), Easter (Påsk), Walpurgis (Valborg, not a national holiday), National Day (Sveriges nationaldag), Midsummer (midsommar), All Saint's Day (All helgons dag), Lucia, and Christmas (Jul).
To check which are national holidays (paid days off) one should ask if their office follows Sverige Arkitekters Fast or Varierad årsarbetstid' 'Fixed or variable working day calendar.
There also exists a term called 'klämdag' (squeeze day) which is a single working day that falls between a public holiday and another non-working day. Sometimes offices are also closed on these days and it varies with each year.
- July Vacations
These are essentially set for the design and construction industry here in Sweden.
- Weekly Calendar
Week numbers as a system of organization - Start thinking in week-numbers when you make appointments, vecka 34....
- Flat or hierarchical culture
- FIKA
Coffee Break, a serious tradition not to mess with!
- Love of nature - allmänsrätten - the right of public access
When you are in Sweden you have the right to walk, cycle, ride, ski and camp on any land with the exception of private gardens, near a dwelling house or land under cultivation. However, this right comes with responsibility, which includes taking care of nature and wildlife and to show consideration for landowners as well as others enjoying the countryside.
- Gender neutrality in Sweden
Swedish culture in general tends to keep a gender neutral attitude towards people. At school, from young age, kids are encouraged to explore different activities regardless of their gender.
> I speak fluent English. How far can I get without learning Swedish?
English is widely spoken, and for some companies, it is the official working language.
English is also taught as a compulsory foreign language in Swedish schools so one can normally get by daily without needing to learn Swedish. However, in a professional working setting it is always strongly encouraged to learn the language as soon as possible to be fully integrated in the work and flow of responsibility.
> Cultural Taboos in Sweden
Avoid arguing, especially with visitors. If a discussion appears to be turning into an argument, do not be offended if a Swede abruptly changes the subject.
Avoid the use of many superlatives when speaking. The Swedes are opposed to stretching the truth. The marks of rank or status are disliked.
Avoid getting too personal. Topics like family, income, and personal background should be avoided. It is also not very common to blend work colleagues and personal friendships.
Swedes are very proud of their society, so it is wise not to criticize their way of life, welfare system, economy, government, or culture. Or any unfavorable comparison with Denmark or Norway.
Racist or sexist jokes are not tolerated.