Understanding work culture in Stockholm
Once your job hunt is over, and you've signed the contract for your new position in Stockholm, its time to start thinking about your relocation. One of the biggest challenges for any expat is adjusting to the new work environment.
Adapting to the city
Stockholm is one of the largest Scandinavian capitals. The first step to adjusting to your new job is finding accommodation. Look for a place that offers a minimal commute to your new job; this will not only be more convenient but also save time and money.
Stockholm's work environment
The plus side
Sweden's capital city is praised for promoting an overall healthy balance between work and home life. Flexible work hours allow parents to pick up their children from school, while social security benefits like maternity leave are valued highly.
A tendency towards flat hierarchy systems and high levels of gender equality mean that workplaces offer a good balance and a low-stress working environment. The relaxed working culture is mirrored in the way people dress for work: formal wear is largely avoided, and people dress in an effortless yet presentable fashion.
Overtime is almost unheard of, and employees do not work over weekends unless the job is in the service or retail industry. Late shifts are often rewarded with higher hourly wages, and a workweek is 37 hours.
The downside'¦
Scandinavians are known for being quiet and reserved, and the Swedes are no different. Even if you are going to work at a multinational company in an English-speaking position, don't expect to step into a warm social environment. People are friendly and good-natured, but even long-time colleagues stay away from personal topics and questions.
General work conversations and communication are often in Swedish, and until you've learned to speak Swedish, new employees will probably miss out on quite a bit of the social conversations in the workplace.
Many foreigners are struck by an initial feeling of rejection in the workplace; in addition to uprooting their lives and moving to a new city, they are expected to speak a new language and assimilate culturally as soon as possible.
Some tips to help you adjust
Luckily, there are some steps to help expats adapt to Stockholm's work environment. For example, newcomers to the city can focus on learning Swedish. Swedish for immigrants (SFI) offers free Swedish language and culture courses to anyone with a Swedish personal identity number. If you are still outside of Sweden, try taking an online learning course.
Another way to adapt to the local culture is by getting to know your city. Finding some interesting activities in Stockholm will help you settle in while giving you some topics to talk about with colleagues at work.
Building a social network in Stockholm is a great way to make friends and better understand the local culture. Consider joining an online Facebook group in an area of your interest to meet new people.
Although it will be challenging to adjust to a new working environment, being patient and exploring your new city are good ways to adapt. Within a few months, you'll be enjoying 'fika' alongside your colleagues.
