Customs and etiquette
In order to best understand Swedish business customs and how to be a successful business within Sweden, outsiders must learn the concept of “lagom”. More of a mentality rather than a word, “lagom” is roughly translated into “just right” and applies to a variety of aspects within Swedish life, most notably within business. Instead of focusing on extraneous details and unnecessary actions, businesses choose to focus on completing simple task to the best of their ability. By spending long hours at the office, or working overtime, all attempts will be seen as unnecessary and go unappreciated. It is important that employees are treated respectfully and are not overburdened and fatigued the company. In order to being fully immersed as a business within Sweden, transparency and directness is necessary, otherwise employees and customers will not respect a business or view it as legitimately interested in being successful in Sweden.
Given the importance of communication within Sweden, it is fortuitous that English is a required course within all levels of public education in Sweden. As of 2016 in a Stockholm University examination, Sweden was ranked third in the world English Proficiency Index, making it not just an attractive location for international students and researchers, but for international business as well, as it greatly aids in communication.
In order to really impress Swedish coworkers, some essential phrases to learn are:
"Hej! Jag är ny här. Har du jobbat här länge?" (Hi, I’m new. Have you worked here for long?)
Det var trevligt att träffas.( It was nice meeting you.)
Jag förstår inte. (I don't understand.)
Jag förstår perfekt. (I understand perfectly.)
Förstår du? (Do you understand?)
Vad sa du? (What did you say?)
Trevlig dag! (Have a nice day!)
The tradition of “fika” is practiced religiously, and is marked as a fundamental part of working in Sweden. A short break with coffee and pastries celebrated twice a day, Swedes do not work through this break, unlike most people in other countries. While seemingly small and ordinary, “fika” exemplifies the importance of taking time to oneself and actually enjoying the workplace, which is no mere feat.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REI
In order to be successful in Sweden, businesses must be transparent and invested, a simple statement which should apply to all business practices. Due to the high levels in Sweden, as well as the no BS attitude which Swedes exemplifies, the greater pressure to fulfill these standards will lead to a more successful business.
