‘No hierarchy, you don't have to wait for your manager to leave to go home': Indian techie reveals why work-life balance is not just a ‘buzzword' in Sweden
An Indian software engineer in Sweden highlighted the stark differences in work culture compared to India through an Instagram video. He emphasized Sweden's flexible schedules, flat hierarchies, and strong focus on work-life balance, where employees are encouraged to prioritize well-being and leave work early. This contrasts with the more intense, formality-driven corporate environment often found in India.
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An Indian software engineer currently living in Sweden offered an insightful look into European work culture , drawing a clear comparison to the often intense corporate atmosphere found in India. Through a simple yet impactful Instagram video that has now surpassed 8.5 million views, Ashutosh Samal laid out the key contrasts between working in Sweden and the environment he was used to back home.He described how most employees in Sweden begin their workday around 8 in the morning, with some companies even providing complimentary breakfast to help their teams start the day smoothly. Offices typically embrace a high degree of flexibility—not just in schedules, but also in the physical work environment. There are no designated desks or private cabins. Whether it's a junior staff member or the CEO, everyone is free to sit wherever they prefer. This practice symbolizes the absence of rigid corporate structure.In Swedish offices, the concept of hierarchy is minimal. There is no excessive formality or use of titles, a marked difference from the formality-heavy 'sir' culture common in Indian workplaces. Leadership is more approachable, and collaboration is encouraged across all levels. Ashutosh mentioned that it's not unusual for the CEO to share a desk with other employees, reinforcing the egalitarian nature of the setup.Beyond seating and structure, the culture promotes well-being and balance. Employees are not just permitted but actively encouraged to take breaks, grab coffee, or play indoor games during office hours. When the summer season rolls in, many companies reduce the typical eight-hour workday to just seven hours, allowing workers to make the most of the longer daylight hours.By late afternoon—usually around 4 or 4:30 pm—most employees are done with their work and head out to spend quality time with their loved ones or simply unwind. Ashutosh emphasized that in Sweden, work-life balance isn't just a trendy phrase; it is woven into the very fabric of their professional lives.The video resonated deeply with viewers across the globe. While some Indian users pointed out that perks like free meals, movie tickets, gym memberships, and cab services are also available in several Indian companies, others focused on the deeper cultural shift taking place. A few mentioned that workplaces in cities like Noida are slowly evolving as younger entrepreneurs reshape traditional norms.Some international viewers, now working outside India, also weighed in. One person who moved to Luxembourg shared that leaving India's high-pressure corporate setup was one of their best life decisions. Another person, who had worked in Helsinki, remarked that the respectful and inclusive work environment in Scandinavia had set a standard they now expect everywhere.This reflection by Ashutosh offered more than just a glimpse—it highlighted a model where respect, flexibility, and well-being are prioritized over pressure and hierarchy.
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