Working in Sweden
Got your first job or are you new to working life in Sweden? We have useful tips and information that will help you in your career and to understand the work culture in Sweden.
Here are our best tips for engineers who got their first job or are new to working life in Sweden. From useful guides and advice to interesting webinars to give you a good start and development at your job.
Understand Swedish labour market
In Sweden, the unions and employers take joint responsibility for developing and agreeing on the regulations that apply on the labour market. Along with many benefits in a union membership, unionized employees contribute to and benefit from the cooperation between trade unions and employers, as working conditions and wages are shaped through collective bargaining agreements rather than legislation. Furthermore, the unemployment benefit fund offers security in case of unemployment.
Above basic labour legislation, collective agreements between trade unions and employers govern benefits such as salary, working hours and pensions. Collective agreements means that you do not need to negotiate your employment conditions yourself. Almost 9 out of 10 employees in Sweden are covered by a collective agreement.
Find out more about the rights you gain through collective bargaining agreements.
Trade unions play a major role in Sweden, and the dialogue between unions and employers is extensive and constructive. Your employer is not allowed to discriminate against union member. As a member of Engineers of Sweden, you can receive advice, negotiation support, and help regarding salary, working conditions and disputes.
There is no insurance against unemployment in Sweden. You need to join the unemployment benefit fund, Akademikernas a-kassa, for financial support (Terms and conditions apply). The a-kassa can pay up to a maximum of SEK 27 200 per month before tax. An income insurance, provided by membnership in Engineers of Sweden, can top up the unemployment benefit to an overall of 80 percent of your salary.
Understand Swedish workplace culture
- Workplace culture in Sweden is informal and nonhierarchical. Managers are seen as colleagues, and you are expected to contribute knowledge and insights, even to those above you.
- Collaboration is highly valued and common. Listening, building consensus, and engaging in dialogue before decisions are made are therefore important parts of working life.
- You are expected to take responsibility and work independently. As a new employee, we recommend that you actively reach out, stay curious, and give yourself time to settle into your role.
- Many workplaces function well in English, especially in tech and international companies. However, basic Swedish improves your opportunities and makes social and professional integration easier. Join lunches and coffee breaks, even if you don’t understand everything at first. Your Swedish will improve quickly, and most people speak good English.
Check this before you sign up for a job
Collective bargaining agreements ensure that you have good working conditions, a lot of employment benefits, and transparent terms of employment apply. If your employer has signed a collective bargaining agreement, that shows that the employer cares about its employees and provides good employment conditions.
You and your employer should have a written employment contract that confirms what you have agreed on. If your employer does not have a collective bargaining agreement, your contract should state clearly what applies regarding matters such as annual holiday leave, pension and insurances.
Read more about employment contract.
You should have clearly described work tasks. This is essential in order for you to know what you are to do and to create clarity for your work role. It is also vital when your performance is to be evaluated in your annual salary dialogue.
Ensure a smooth start
- Networking is important in Sweden. Take the chance to join informal meetings or events for engineers.
- A mentor can be very helpful for understanding how the Swedish labour market works.
- Be aware of cultural differences. In the beginning, it may be wise to avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion or to ask colleagues about their salary.