Sweden is a large country in northern Europe with a population of only 10 million people, with 85 percent of them living in the major cities of Stockholm, Göteborg, Malmö, Uppsala, and Linköping. Because of Sweden’s vast landmass, population density is extremely low. Swedes create a clear divide between their professional and personal lives. They are proud of their work-life balance and, as a result, have a high average happiness level. Although many features of Swedish business culture are comparable to those of other western European countries, there are certain distinct qualities to be aware of when doing business with Swedes.

Consensus: Involving others is your job

It’s all about ‘what’ you say to the Swedes, not ‘sho’ says it. And while making a conclusion, all of these viewpoints must be considered. The boss’s role, in Swedish business (https://businessculture.org/northern-europe/sweden/meeting-etiquette/), is limited to that of a facilitator in the decision-making process. This can come across as indecisive and ineffective to immigrants from more hierarchical countries. Swedes will only proceed once all points of view have been heard.

Work Effectively:

The Swedes keep work and personal life separate and hold a strong conviction in the importance of (family) happiness in life. In Swedish business, they schedule their office hours so that they can get home on time and do all of the other things that make them happy. The Swedes are accustomed to this and will appreciate someone who is open about their work-life balance. However, perception is everything. Outsiders may mistakenly view the Swedish purposeful decision(https://businessculture.org/northern-europe/sweden/) to priorities personal concerns over work as ‘laziness’ or an avoidance of professional responsibilities. It isn’t the case. Swedes, on the other hand, work hard and, ideally, efficiently.

Plan Everything:

Swedes are known for being informal and laid-back. This can create the wrong impression: the laid-back approach can be mistaken for a naive company culture in which employees don’t battle for their own interests but rather want to maintain harmony. The rules of Swedish business can be applied in a variety of ways, and when the rules become too rigid and ineffective; the Swedes continue to work despite the rules. Planning necessitates first thinking and then acting. The Swedes, more than anybody else, can relate to this phrase.

Innovate Different Thinking:

The Swedes are naturally tolerant people.  This is the positive point of the Swedish business that people have the right to speak their minds and have their own beliefs. Others, even if they disagree with you, will treat you with respect, even if your viewpoint is clearly different from the majority. Although it is not immediately apparent, the Swedes are open to new ideas. Their cautious, task-oriented demean or may create the impression that they are cautious and reserved. However, they combine this with a pragmatic perspective and an enthusiasm for fresh ideas and inventiveness. The Swedes are adept at dealing with uncertain situations, and their tolerance for the unusual flourishes in a creative setting.

Communication Skill:

The Swedes’ communication approach is anything but boisterous. To some, the Swedes appear restrained, stodgy, and even boring. However, these are unjustified qualifications: the Swedes value clarity. They take satisfaction in speaking in a way that leaves no room for interpretation. In Swedish business, the Swedes communicate in a direct, low-context manner, taking only the time necessary to express what needs to be said. Sweden is a task-oriented society where outward displays of emotion are rare. It’s critical to distinguish between directness and bluntness. There is no aim of being rude.