Latest news with #AshutoshSamal
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘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. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
NDTV
8 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Indian Techie Impressed By Sweden's Work-Life Balance: "Most Employees Leave By 4 pm..."
An Indian software developer in Sweden has gone viral on Instagram with a video sharing his observations on the stark differences in corporate culture between India and Sweden. In the video, Ashutosh Samal highlighted that work-life balance is genuinely valued in Europe, not just a buzzword. He shared that in Sweden, employees typically start work at 8 am, and some offices even offer free breakfast to kick-start the day. What's more is that Swedish workplaces have an open workplace with no assigned desks, allowing everyone, including the CEO, to sit wherever they like, removing hierarchy. "Everyone is on the same level. Even our CEO sometimes sits next to me and works," Mr Samal noted. He further mentioned that employees are encouraged to take breaks, play games, and grab coffee during work hours, promoting a relaxed atmosphere. During summer, some offices even shorten the workday from eight to seven hours. By 4 or 4:30 pm, most colleagues wrap up and head home, prioritising time with family and friends. "How different is the corporate office culture in Sweden, Europe, than India" the video was captioned. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashutosh Samal (@roamwithashutosh) His video resonated with many viewers. While some agreed that work-life balance is more ingrained in European cultures, others noted that India is slowly shifting towards a similar approach, with many companies prioritising employee well-being and flexibility. One user wrote, "I enjoy the same work culture in Luxembourg, and I feel I made a great decision to skip India's toxic corporate culture." Another commented, "I worked in Helsinki. And it has spoiled me for life. Everyone is so respectful of each other. Scandinavia rocks." A third said, "This is basic corporate culture everywhere in the world. You get free breakfast, but in some Indian corporations, we get free lunch and snacks too.. Plus free movie tickets, gym, cab facilities and corporate dinner." A fourth added, "Working in a small org in Bangalore, India. Same practices as u mentioned."
India Today
9 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Indian techie in Sweden says work-life balance isn't a myth but the norm. Watch video
A software developer from India now based in Sweden gave a no-fluff glimpse into how work-life looks in Europe, and how it stands in sharp contrast to India's corporate a now-viral Instagram video, Ashutosh Samal broke down the differences between Swedish and Indian workplaces. His video has garnered over 8.5 million views so far. He said employees usually clock in at 8 am in Sweden, with some offices even offering free breakfast to start the day. Workplaces are flexible. There are no assigned desks, and everyone, including the CEO, sits where they There's no strict hierarchy, and definitely no 'sir culture'. 'Everyone is on the same level. Even our CEO sometimes sits next to me and works,' he said as he described the 'flat structure' as a breath of fresh air compared to the often rigid dynamics in flexibility doesn't stop at seating. Employees are encouraged to take breaks, play games, and grab coffee during work hours. And when summer arrives, some offices reduce the working day from eight to seven 4 or 4.30 pm, most of his colleagues pack up and leave, ready to enjoy time with family and friends. 'Work-life balance is a reality here, not just a buzzword,' he said as he concluded his the video here: advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashutosh Samal (@roamwithashutosh)His video hit home for many viewers. '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,' said a user added, 'It is somewhat similar to me right now in Noida. I think new generation founders are changing work culture here.'One user, now working in Luxembourg, said, 'I feel I made a great decision to skip India's toxic corporate culture.'Another added, 'I worked in Helsinki. And it has spoiled me for life Everyone is so respectful of each other. Scandinavia rocks!'See the comments here:Ashutosh Samal often shares videos of his daily life in Sweden on Instagram. Earlier, Samal made headlines for listing employee benefits offered by Swedish companies to their employees. His video describing the benefits went viral.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Techie on corporate culture in Europe vs India: ‘Work-life balance is a reality here'
A software developer from India, now working in Sweden, has highlighted key differences in corporate culture between the two countries. Ashutosh Samal shared his insights on the contrast between India and Sweden in an Instagram video that has received 8.5 million views on the platform. In his video, the Indian techie said that work-life balance is a reality in Europe, not just a trendy buzzword. Ashutosh told that he has been working in Sweden for the last six years. Before that, he worked in India for four-and-a-half years. In his Instagram video, the Indian techie said that people reach the office at 8 am in Sweden. Some offices even offer free breakfast as a corporate perk. 'You can tell after watching this video how different office life is in India compared to Sweden,' he said. Ashutosh said that his company has an open workplace, where there are no fixed seats for employees. Instead, people can sit anywhere they like and work. Unlike India, there is also no ' hierarchy' and no 'senior junior scene'. 'Everyone is on the same level. Even our CEO sometimes sits next to me and works,' Ashutosh revealed in his Instagram video titled 'Corporate Culture in Europe Sweden'. A post shared by Ashutosh Samal (@roamwithashutosh) Next, he spoke about work hours. The Indian techie revealed that sometimes in the summer, office hours are cut down from eight to seven hours. During office hours, too, employees are not desk-bound. Instead, they take breaks to play games or grab a coffee. His words echo the opinion of several Indian employees before him who have experienced work life in Europe. 'I enjoy the same work culture in Luxembourg and I feel I made a great decision to skip India's toxic corporate culture,' wrote one person in the comments section. '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. Scandenevia rocks!' another said. However, Ashutosh told that there are some aspects where India beats Europe. 'Work relationships often extend beyond the office there's a stronger emphasis on personal bonds, loyalty, and informal communication,' he said. 'There is a strong work ethic and ambition, particularly among younger professionals.' He added that in India's competitive job market, 'employees often produce high output at a lower cost.'
Hans India
4 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Viral video highlights striking cultural differences between India and Sweden
A viral Instagram video by Indian content creator Ashutosh Samal is sparking global curiosity by showcasing Sweden's deeply introverted and privacy-first culture — a lifestyle that contrasts starkly with India's socially vibrant atmosphere. Now living in Sweden, Ashutosh offers a humorous but insightful take on everyday social behavior in the Scandinavian country. He claims that many Swedes go as far as peeking through their keyholes before stepping out — all to avoid running into neighbors and making small talk. The video also captures how Swedes often avoid eye contact and prefer standing rather than sitting next to someone on public transport. These habits, according to Ashutosh, are part of a broader culture that prioritizes solitude, calm, and personal space over casual interactions. For introverts, this may sound like heaven. But Ashutosh points out that for social butterflies, Sweden may feel a little isolating. The video struck a chord online, generating a flurry of reactions. 'Time for me to move to Sweden,' joked one user. Another shared, 'This could be my dream destination.' Interestingly, some viewers noted regional differences. One user commented, 'I felt this only in the southern part of Sweden. The north is friendlier — there you're expected to greet everyone, or it's seen as rude.' Other popular reactions included: 'Born elsewhere, but feel so Swedish.' 'Cultural shock pro max.' 'Solitude is the soul's medicine.' Ashutosh's video is proving that a simple peek through the keyhole can open the door to bigger conversations about culture, behavior, and what 'home' really feels like — depending on who you are.
