Impressions of Sweden

The perfect location: Finspång Castle

I’ve always enjoyed trips to Sweden and admire the flat hierarchies and healthy work-life balance. This time, however, the laid-back approach to life here confused me a little. At about 3.30 in the afternoon, the cook from the conference centre said goodbye to me with the words "See you tomorrow". "What about the evening meal that we had planned?" I asked. "You do it yourself," he replied, as he walked out the door.

I thought he was joking and commented on the great Swedish sense of humour. He looked puzzled.

Sure enough, at about 7.00 p.m. some of the Swedish participants in in our international group started to light the barbecue in the restaurant area and helped themselves to large chunks of meat from the fridge. Within half an hour, we were all enjoying delicious steaks and salads. It wasn’t the sort of self-conscious team-building that I’ve experienced in workshops in other countries, but it had the same effect.

Everyone was talking to each other while tending to their steaks on the grill. "How do we pay for the drinks?" I asked. "People just take what they need," replied a Swedish colleague, pointing at the well-stocked cabinet with a wide range of beer and wine. The local site manager helped with the washing-up. Things were relaxed and uncomplicated.

The only thing that surprised me was the fact that most of the restaurants in the town closed at 7.00 p.m. While this was strange for us as business travellers, it reflects Swedish family values. The locals obviously prefer to spend the evening at home with their family or entertaining selected friends.

Amid all this peace and harmony in the fantastic natural setting of lakes and forests, the only real paradox was seeing the remnants of Finspång’s history as a supplier of military equipment dotted around the town. Cannons and shells are to be seen in people’s gardens — a bit like garden gnomes in Germany.

A peaceful place to relax

Photos: Robert Gibson