113 locations: a work culture without boundaries

Trust as a foundation

Although Sweden, Brazil and France are many thousands of kilometres apart, Anna, Ingrid and Renaud use the same terms to describe the work culture in their respective countries: trust, collaboration and humanity.

In Sweden, that trust starts with the work method. “People expect to be able to work independently,” Anna explains. “Micromanagement would feel very strange here.” Managers act more as coaches, and employees are involved in decisions from the outset. “It’s important that everyone feels heard. We place great value on consensus, even if it takes more time than a top-down approach.”

Autonomy is also key in France. “People value freedom, as long as objectives are clear,” says Renaud Frederic. At the same time, human relationships are just as important. “We like direct, straightforward contact and constructive conversations.”

In Brazil, working life is very much centred around connection. Ingrid Terzetti describes the culture as “collaborative, integrated and efficient”. Teamwork is central.

How does their working day start?

Culture often shows itself in small habits. In Brazil, the day starts with a warm ‘Bom dia’. In Sweden, they like to keep it simple. “We just say ‘hey’ or ‘hello’ in the morning,” Anna explains. The French deliberately make time for social contact. “We always greet each other,” Renaud says. “A handshake or sometimes even a kiss on the cheek is common.”

Lunch as a social moment

In Brazil, lunch is a true moment of connection, often around a plate of rice, beans, meat and salad. “We eat together and chat a lot with colleagues,” says Ingrid.

Things are different in Sweden, where everyone sits together at one large table in the office kitchen. During the dark winter months, many Swedish colleagues go outside during lunch break. Anna says: “It gets dark early here, so people make the most of every opportunity to catch some daylight while they can.”

The famous Swedish fika

Ask a Swede about work culture and the word fika inevitably comes up. That typical coffee moment is much more than a quick break. Anna says: “During long meetings, we even schedule fika breaks. It’s not about the coffee itself, but about taking a short break together.” Colleagues steer clear of work topics and instead talk about life in general.

And they get through a lot of coffee. “I can easily chug down ten cups of coffee a day,” Anna laughs. “With two small children you need it sometimes just to get through the day.”

Differences and similarities

An international working environment broadens your perspective and gives you the chance to learn. What Anna, Ingrid and Renaud notice when working with colleagues from different countries? “It brings new perspectives but also highlights how much people have in common and how they connect through the same Unilin values.”

“Everyone is willing to collaborate and support each other,” Ingrid notes. In Sweden, the office atmosphere is informal, with a lot of mutual respect and a strong work ethic. Anna says: “This is also reflected in our meeting culture: we place great value on structured meetings.”

Renaud sees differences in terms of pace and communication. “In France, we like to analyse and discuss ideas in depth before making decisions. Other countries are sometimes faster and more direct.”

More than just work

Perhaps the greatest similarity between the three countries is the fact that work is always about people. Across all locations, colleagues seek connection, trust and respect. Anna sums it up nicely: “We are serious about our work but not ourselves.”

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