Understanding Swedish Cultural Norms: A Guide for Expat Living
Moving to a new country can be challenging at the best of times. Be it the differences in cuisine or the local language, expat life is a unique experience that comes with its own set of challenges. However, understanding the cultural norms of your adopted country can be a key factor in enabling you to settle in and feel at home. In this blog post, we take a deep dive into Swedish cultural norms and provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to expect as an expat living in Sweden.
Swedes and Personal Space
Swedes are known for being respectful of personal space. Personal space – which refers to an imaginary bubble around a person that they generally like to keep uninvaded – is essential to Swedes. This cultural norm means that Swedes don’t usually stand too close to each other or touch as frequently as other cultures might. Swedes also appreciate the concept of individualism and prefer keeping their opinions to themselves and rarely show their emotions in public. Keep this in mind while interacting with your colleagues and acquaintances.
The Importance of Punctuality in Sweden
Swedes take punctuality seriously. Whether it’s arriving early to work, being on time for meetings, or getting together with friends, being punctual is essential to Swedes. Being late is seen as a sign of disrespect and can be seen as unprofessional or rude. Therefore, as an expat living in Sweden, it’s important to always prioritize punctuality.
Swedish Social Customs
Sweden is often considered to be the land of ‘Fika’ – a social custom beloved by Swedes, which involves taking a break and having a coffee or tea accompanied with pastries or sandwiches. Fika is a vital cultural component in Sweden, and it’s common for colleagues to take a Fika break during work hours, making it a great way to break the ice and get to know your colleagues.
Another critical element to Swedish social customs is the concept of ‘Lagom,’ a Swedish word that translates to ‘just the right amount’. Lagom is a significant cultural norm in Sweden, and it translates to almost every aspect of life. It manifests in everything in the Swedish culture, from sustainability and social equality to work-life balance. Understanding and appreciating the concept of Lagom can be an essential cultural lesson for expats to help them adapt and fit in.
Equality in Sweden
Sweden is known for its progressive approach to equality and has achieved a high level of gender and social equality in the workplace and society as a whole. Swedish society values the rights and freedoms of all individuals, which means that sexism, racism, and discrimination are not accepted or tolerated. As an expat living in Sweden, it’s crucial to embrace this progressive mentality and support the country’s commitment to equality.
Conclusion
As an expat in Sweden, embracing the cultural norms and customs can be a rewarding experience and can help you to feel more at home in your adopted country. Understanding Swedish cultural norms, such as personal space, punctuality, social customs, and equality, will help you adapt to the Swedish way of life and connect with your colleagues and the wider community. So, go ahead and immerse yourself in the culture, try Fika and get comfortable with being lagom – the Swedish way of finding balance.
