A different day in the office - Norwegian work culture for better and worse

Posted by Elling Håmsø on 16. 56. 2018
Elling Håmsø
Find me on:

What comes to your mind when you hear the word office? Do you picture formally dressed people working long hours behind their computers, or relaxed colleagues drinking coffee together while discussing their feelings about the latest team project?

Offices around the world don’t all look the same. Workplace dynamics are affected by differences in our cultures and values. If you’re moving abroad for work, understanding the cultural characteristics of the new country helps you know what to expect from others or what others may expect from you.

That way, you don’t get too surprised if your new boss doesn’t tell you how to do your job, if your new colleagues don’t respond to your emails outside of work hours, or if people leave work a little early to pick up their kids from the kindergarten.

Norwegian working culture

The work culture in Norway is influenced by egalitarianism

Norwegian cultural values have roots in egalitarianism, the belief that all people are equal and should have equal rights and opportunities. It seems a little paradoxical, considering Norway is officially ruled by a king! The king’s duties however are mainly ceremonial, Norway’s actual policies support the values of social, gender and income equality.

‘You are not to think you’re special’

Egalitarian values are widely spread throughout Scandinavia. Some say that the ‘all for one, one for all’ mindset comes from people having to stick together and depend on each other in order to survive the tough conditions of the northern climate.

The spirit of egalitarianism is most famously represented in Janteloven (the Law of Jante). The ten rules of Jante –  a fictional, yet typical small Danish town – revolve around the idea that ‘You are not to think you’re anyone special or better than us’.

Janteloven can sound harsh at first, but its message is profoundly positive: here on planet Earth we are all equals, and we should stand in unity.

Indeed, social classes don’t play a big role in Norway. A person’s wealth is usually downplayed, rather than put on display. Norwegians don’t like other people for their titles or earnings, but for themselves.

'Life and Work in Norway' is an ebook that gives a first-hand account of life in the home country of Hamso Patent & Trademark Attorneys. You’re welcome to download it at our website and explore how living and working in Norway would be like for you!

 

 

 Flat organisational structures with emphasis on collaboration

Egalitarian cultural values translate into the Norwegian work environment and affect office dynamics from day-to-day interactions between colleagues all the way to decision making.

Contrary to hierarchical cultures, which favour the top down approach, Norwegians prefer flat organisational structures with emphasis on collaboration and consensus. Employees are expected to take initiative and contribute in the decision making.

Meetings more often have the goal of reaching harmony across the organisation than delegating orders. Job titles are usually left at the door – everyone can participate as an equally capable decision maker.

The work culture in Norway is mostly informal. Colleagues call each other by first names, regardless of their positions. The dress code is rarely strict, practicality comes before formality.

The communication in Norwegian workplaces is rather direct. Norwegians typically don’t refrain from telling colleagues what they really think and are not big fans of small talk.

Norwegian working culture

So, is Norway a good country to work in?

Judging from our own experience, the answer is yes. Our patent attorneys appreciate the flat organisational hierarchy and the relaxed atmosphere, which we believe are necessary for creativity and productivity. We don’t like telling our employees to do things a certain way just because that’s the way we’ve always done them.

How you feel in an egalitarian work environment of course depends on your personal goals (what matters to you) and your cultural background (what you are used to).

People coming to work in Norway from other Scandinavian countries most likely find the working life very similar to home. Those from more hierarchical or ordered societies (like France, Germany, or Italy) have to adjust to the more relaxed organisational structures and to the greater accountability that comes with it.

Some people prefer clear orders at every step of the work process and can feel ‘lost’ if managers don’t guide them through tasks. Others might interpret their colleagues’ informality as rudeness or disrespect. Having too relaxed work relationships and a lack of clear leadership can also sometimes complicate decision making (read: lots of meetings and long discussions).

Considering everything, we are fans of the egalitarian approach. After all, who doesn’t like knowing that their opinions are heard and that their contribution matters?

download ebook Life and Work in Norway

Tags: working life, working in norway, work culture

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

Are you a patent attorney? Have you ever thought about changing your job and moving abroad? Together with your family?

Read our blog and find out how it is to live and work in Norway.

Why? Because our door is always open for patent attorneys to join our team, which already includes six nationalities. Maybe someday we become coworkers.

Subscribe and get new blog updates in your inbox

Recent Posts

Follow Us