Scandinavia isn’t just famous for its beautiful scenery, minimalist design trends, and unique food. It’s also one of the most productive regions in the world.
According to one study, Norway is the second most productive country in the world, and Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland all rank in the top 20. Just as you can embrace the Scandinavian ethos when decorating your home, or clearing out clutter, you can also take inspiration from the Scandinavians if you need help boosting your productivity.
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Here’s your guide to unlocking the power of Scandinavian productivity.
Why are Scandinavian Countries So Productive?
Scandinavian countries are some of the most productive, and innovative in the world. In fact, Sweden is currently the second most “innovative country” in the world, according to a 2023 report.
So, what gives Scandinavian locals such a significant productivity boost?
One theory is that it all comes down to quality of life.
Scandinavian countries and cities regularly claim the top spots on the World Happiness Report. Finland has even claimed the top spot four times in a row, and Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden aren’t far behind. Studies show that happiness breeds productivity.
Research from the University of Warwick found happy people are up to 12% more productive, and an extensive study from Oxford shares similar results.
You could also argue Scandinavian people are more productive because they have access to:
- Excellent healthcare: It’s easier to accomplish your goals when you’re healthy. Healthy workers are up to 3 times more productive, according to one study, and Scandinavia’s approach to offering excellent access to healthcare makes sick days less common.
- Incredible education: Scandinavian schools are some of the best in the world, renowned for turning out highly educated students. The better your education, the better you can respond to challenges, and optimize productivity.
- Fewer worries: Scandinavian people don’t have to worry as much about issues that plague other workers, like preparing for maternity leave, or finding time to spend with their family. This means they can focus more on the task at hand.
5 Great Scandinavian Productivity Strategies to Try
Clearly, Scandinavian’s know a thing or two about productivity.
The good news? You don’t need to move to Sweden or Norway to give your performance a boost. You can implement Scandinavian productivity strategies in your own work, life, or business, wherever you are in the world. Here are just some great ideas to try.
Explore Shorter Work Days (and Working Weeks)
We often assume we’d get more done if we just had a little more time. However, insights from Scandinavian nations suggest otherwise. One report found that Norwegians work around 359 fewer hours than Americans each year, but the country still has a higher GDP than the US.
Experiments throughout numerous Scandinavian countries have further demonstrated the value of working smarter, not harder. One study found nurses in Gothenburg who worked 2 fewer hours a day had more energy and took fewer sick days.
Another study into the Swedish four-day work week found employees were more engaged and motivated when they worked fewer days.
So, how does working less make you more productive? It might be a matter of “Parkinson’s Law”, which suggests work expands to meet the time available for its completion. Reports have validated this idea, with one study showing participants given fifteen minutes to complete a 5-minute task took significantly longer than those given less time.
Alternatively, it might just be that working fewer hours (or fewer days), means you’re less likely to burnout. Occupational burnout caused by stress has a direct impact on productivity (and your health).
Prioritize Work-Life Balance
There’s a huge focus on work-life balance in Scandinavia. We’re not just talking about companies implementing innovative strategies like the four-day work week, or even the six-hour work day (which was eventually scrapped in 2017).
Companies actively encourage their employees to put themselves, and their families before their career. Overtime is almost unheard of in certain countries, like Sweden, where only 1% of the population regularly works very long hours.
Most employers are more flexible when it comes to scheduling work days too. Finland, Denmark, and Sweden are all leading the way in offering employees flexible working hours. Studies show that more than half of all the employees in these countries (and in Norway), control at least some of their hours.
Embracing work-life balance, just like working fewer hours, can reduce your chances of burnout, and improve your mental and physical health, contributing to greater productivity. Flexible working strategies also mean you can tailor your day around the times when you’re most likely to be productive, and less likely to be distracted by other concerns.
Embrace the Jantelovan Way of Life and Hygge
The term “Jantelovan” came from a book by Askel Sandemose, which tells the story of a fictional Danish town, where citizens sacrifice personal identity for a greater sense of community harmony. Though the story might have been fictional, Scandinavians do embrace the concept.
Bragging is discouraged in workplaces throughout Scandinavia, and businesses pride themselves on providing a workplace free of harassment and power struggles. Scandinavian people believe in putting the benefits of the “community” before the individual.
You might be wondering how this affects productivity. First, it creates a very connected “team culture” both in the workplace and in life. People are committed to helping each other out as often as they can. This means you don’t have to tackle challenges alone.
Plus, it creates a more “comfortable” work experience in the office. Both the Jantelovan mindset, and the concept of “hygge” prioritize connectivity, human relationships, and comfort. People with stronger relationships, and more comfort in the workplace, are more likely to be productive. One study found greater control over comfort led to significant gains in work performance.
Take More Breaks
Similar to other Scandinavian productivity strategies, taking more breaks during tasks and projects can sound counterproductive at first. However, breaks are actually essential to improving cognitive function. Research consistently shows that the human brain only works in sprints.
You can only focus on anything for so long before your attention begins to wane, and you’re more easily distracted. We need breaks to recharge our energy, creativity, and focus.
The Scandinavian people are experts at doing this. In Sweden, Fika is a common type of break that takes place in virtually every office. Most companies encourage employees to take one or two “Fika breaks” per day, where they chat with colleagues or friends over cake and coffee.
Other Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Norway have similar ideas about breaks. These Fika breaks help to relax the prefrontal cortex (the thinking part of the brain). Plus, they help us build connections with colleagues, which lead to the “community” benefits mentioned above.
Take Advantage of Your Vacation Time
Finally, taking regular breaks is great, but most people need more time to unwind and relax throughout the year. That’s why Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway give their employees a minimum of 25 days a year paid vacation.
While your business might not offer quite as many vacation days, you can still use similar Scandinavian productivity strategies in your own life, by taking advantage of the time off you get. You might think you’re doing this already, but studies show up to a third of Brits don’t even take all of their annual leave each year.
Although going on vacation might seem stressful when you’ve got a huge project to tackle at work, it’s a great way to revitalize your productivity. One study found that when participants took more paid vacation days, their health and performance improved.
Notably, some Scandinavian countries are even more innovative when it comes to ensuring people get plenty of time off. For instance, in Sweden, countless companies close their doors throughout July, to ensure employees can make the most of the summer.
Use Scandinavian Productivity Strategies in Your Own Life
You don’t have to buy a one-way ticket to Finland or start practicing your Swedish to live like the Scandinavians do. You can use all of the Scandinavian productivity strategies above in your own life, by focusing more on work/life balance, taking extra time off work, or just using your vacation days.
While some of the strategies we’ve mentioned might seem odd at first, they’ve helped Scandinavia become one of the most productive, profitable, and happiest regions in the world.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
