No fixed desks, no stress: Why an Indian techie says Sweden changed his view on work
Ashutosh Samal, an Indian software developer based in Sweden, has gone viral for a video comparing office life in Sweden and India. His Instagram post, which has crossed 8.5 million views, highlights the flexible work hours, flat organisational structure, and strong work-life balance in Swedish companies. Samal's observations struck a chord with many Indian professionals abroad, who shared similar views. The viral response has reignited conversations around corporate culture in India and the push for healthier work environments.
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No 'sir culture', no fixed desks
'It spoiled me for life': Expats echo the sentiment
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An Indian software developer now based in Sweden has reignited a national conversation on workplace culture. In a video that has now reached over 8.5 million views on Instagram , Ashutosh Samal lays out a blunt comparison between daily office life in Sweden and in India.'You can tell after watching this video how different office life is in India compared to Sweden,' Samal said.His post quickly gained traction, drawing support and reflection from working professionals across continents. Samal's clear-eyed account of Sweden's relaxed yet productive environment has offered a glimpse into what many say is a healthier way to work.In Sweden, most employees arrive at work by 8 am. Some offices even offer free breakfast to get the day going. Samal, who regularly shares snippets of life abroad on social media, says the tone of the workday feels entirely different.'Work-life balance is a reality here, not just a buzzword,' he stated.There's no pressure to stay late. In fact, many employees leave by 4 or 4.30 pm, heading home to spend time with family or unwind. During the summer months, office hours are often cut from eight to seven per day.What caught the attention of many was Samal's description of office hierarchy—or rather, the lack of it.'Everyone is on the same level. Even our CEO sometimes sits next to me and works,' he shared.There are no assigned desks. Employees can sit wherever they like, including next to the top boss. It's a flat structure with minimal formality. Samal described the absence of the common 'sir culture' in Indian offices as refreshing.Breaks are encouraged, too. A coffee, a quick game, or just a pause from the screen are all part of the rhythm of the day.The comment section of Samal's video became a gathering space for voices who've experienced similar shifts.Chitranjan Kumar (@ranjan4195), who now works in Luxembourg, wrote, 'I enjoy the same work culture in Luxembourg and I feel I made a great decision to skip India's toxic corporate culture.'Sukanya (@sukanya.preeti), who worked in Finland, added, 'I worked in Helsinki. And it has spoiled me for life. I never knew work-life balance exists! 8-4 working shifts. Everyone is so respectful of each other. Scandinavia rocks!'Some added humour to the thread. Vivek (@vivvek_always_) quipped, 'Narayana Murthy would get a heart attack watching this.'Others shared a more balanced view. One user said, 'This is basic corporate culture everywhere in the world. You get free breakfast, but in some Indian corporations, we also get free lunch and snacks. Plus free movie tickets, gym, cab facilities, and corporate dinners.'Another added, 'It is somewhat similar to me right now in Noida. I think new generation founders are changing work culture here.'This isn't the first time Samal's perspective has struck a chord. He had earlier gone viral for another video listing employee benefits offered in Swedish firms. That video too reflected how Scandinavia takes a holistic view of employee well-being—something still being debated in Indian offices.His experience mirrors that of Ankur Tyagi, another Indian techie who moved to Sweden in 2021. Tyagi, who had posted on X (formerly Twitter), noted the contrast between India's 'hustle culture' and Sweden's focus on balance. 'There is an understanding that a balanced life leads to better work,' he said, calling the shift a 'whole new world' compared to his life in India.Sweden's model is not built on flashy perks. Instead, it rests on respect for time, a sense of equality, and a belief that work should support—not consume—life. It's a sentiment that many in India are beginning to see as more than just a luxury.Samal's video may have started as a casual reel, but it has landed like a wake-up call. For many Indian professionals, it's not just about better hours or free food—it's about dignity, trust, and the right to switch off.(This article is based on a post on Instagram. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com
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