This is the third of a series which takes a look at the cultural differences you may experience when living in Norway.
Work Structure
Norway seems to be extremely non-hierachical in its company structure. Everyone is addressed by their first names – no Mr/Mrs X or Sir/Madam. Some attribute this to the ‘Jante Law‘, which states ‘Don’t think you’re anyone special or that you’re better than us.’
Bosses in Norway behave more like facilitators rather than authoritarian figures. They are usually approachable and do not act as though they are superior to their subordinates. There is openness of communication in the workplace and freedom of information. As a result, Norwegians are usually very good team players.
In Norway, single employees or a small team of people are usually solely responsible for specific tasks and duties.This system has developed so that everyone knows their work well and can perform it effectively without interference from their colleagues. However, this system has its drawbacks as well – the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. One employee has no absolutely no clue about his/her colleague’s portfolio. I have personally experienced this at the tax office in Stavanger – I had to be referred to 3 different people to answer 3 related questions! Which, needless to say, was a frustrating experience. If an employee is off sick or on holiday, no one else seems to be able to complete the job or answer queries. So you will just have to wait for that employee to come back to work. Note this especially during the common holiday period (lasting 3 weeks in July) – it can seem as though the whole country shuts down and you will have to wait til August to get anything done.
Working Hours
Norwegians usually work anywhere from 35.5 to 40 hours a week (depends on your company and if you work in shifts). If you work over 40 hours a week, it is considered overtime and you should either be paid extra (at least 40% of normal hourly pay) or get time off (again, this is highly dependent on your company’s policies). Daily working hours range from 0700 to 1700 (0700 to 1500, 0800 to 1600, etc) Many companies allow its employees to have flexible working hours, meaning as long as the employee fulfills the number of working hours for the day, he/she can work either 0700 to 1500 or 0800 to 1600 or even 0900 to 1700. However, some companies require that all employees be in the office during the fixed basic hours, which is usually 0900 to 1500. This is called kjernetid.
Employees are entitled to a break if their daily working hours exceed 5.5 hours, and breaks shall total half an hour if the daily working hours exceed 8 hours.
Holidays(Ferie) and Holiday Money (Feriepenger)
Most employees get 5 weeks (ie 25 working days) of paid holiday a year. Older employees get an extra 5 days off. Norwegians have the tradition of taking their summer holidays each year in July. In 2010, trade unions recommend that the common summer holiday period (fellesferie) be during 12th July to 30th July.
Norway has a system where they pay out holiday money (which is a percentage of what you earned) the year after. For example, if you earned 500 000 NOK in 2009, you will get holiday money (feriepenger) of about 51 000 NOK in June of 2010. The percentage of what you get each year may be different (it usually ranges from 10.2 to 12%).
For more information, click here.
Sick Leave and Leave for Other Reasons
Generally, you can call in sick for up to 3 calendar days without producing a doctor’s letter or certificate. If you are sick for more than 3 calendar days, you will have to produce a letter or a certificate from the doctor. (sykemelding). In a year, you have a stipulated number of times where you can call in sick (usually 4 times in the course of a 12-month period). After you have used those up, you have to produce a doctor’s letter for each time you are sick. Your doctor will assess whether full sick leave (100%) is required or whether you are able to perform some of your work and only need partial sick leave. Your employer should adjust your duties accordingly, if neccessary.
You also have stipulated number of days where you can go on child sick leave and if a family member is terminally ill or passes away. Some companies also allow other kinds of leave days such as moving day (flyttingsdag) and examination days. Check with your HR department.
Work Ethics
These are my opinions formed by my observations. Feel free to agree or disagree with me in the comment section below.
Norwegians are generally honest, reliable and trustworthy in their dealings. If a Norwegian says they will get something done, they definitely will do so. Norwegian employers are usually very approachable and accept constructive feedback. They are also usually very appreciative of jobs well done.
Norwegians are also generally very punctual. At 
my workplace, people make it a point to call and inform if they are going to be 5 to 10 minutes late. As such, try not to be late when you go to work or if you are meeting Norwegians to discuss business. If you are going to be late, be sure to call and let them know. Lateness can be seen as lack of respect and courtesy for the other people present. Norwegians are also particular about leaving work on time. Unless really necessary, Norwegians usually will not work overtime. Meetings and discussions usually end on time as well. If you are chairing a meeting, be sure to end 5 minutes before time or exactly on time. Your colleagues may have kids to pick up or other commitments to attend to.
Very few Norwegians will bring their work home with them, unless it is vitally important that they do so.
Norwegians usually do not like ‘fluff’ in sales meetings – they are open, honest, direct, to the point and expect others to be the same. Overselling a product or an idea usually will not sit well with Norwegians.
Norway boasts one of the most gender-equal countries in the world and women usually have no problems at work.
Body language seems to be a little muted in Norway, Norwegians do not seem to gesticulate much when they speak. As such, some might think Norwegians are disinterested or aloof.
Meetings and Decision-Making
Decision-making is consensual and everyone is encouraged to contribute at meetings. The chairperson of the meeting often feels the need to include everyone in the decision-making process and it is deemed vital that everyone’s opinion is listened to and considered. As a result, decisions can be hard to reach and the process can seem lengthy and painful. To those who are used to quick decision making, it may seem that Norwegians are reluctant to shoulder responsibility for decisions.
However, the advantage of this practice is that information flow in companies is usually very open and all employees feel engaged and valued.
Work Dress Code in Norway
It seems to me that the dress code here is more smart-casual than formal. I rarely see people in power suits (Norwegians seem to dress up for parties, confirmations, weddings and Christmas, etc rather than for work)
Socialising with Colleagues, At Work and Outside Work
I have gotten many mixed impressions about this topic. Some expats have told me that Norwegians at work are very private and keep to themselves. They generally do not socialise with or open up to colleagues, preferring to keep the work relationship just that. They also guard their private time zealously. However, other expats have been warmly welcomed by their Norwegian colleagues and been invited to houseparties and other gatherings.
Personally, I have really nice and friendly colleagues who I find do open up to me. I have yet to be invited to a colleague’s home but we do have drinks out on the town every now and then. Some of my collegues are also planning a weekend trip for whoever wants to join in. What do you have to share about your work and colleagues?
There is a ton of different information about working in Norway and try as I might, I am unable to cover every aspect. Check out the Arbeidstilsynet – Ministry of Labour for more information. The website is in Norwegian with some bits in English but Google Translate can help to a certain extent.
Good Luck and Happy Working in Norway!!
Just for interest:
The Viking Laws (saw these on a postcard in one of the souvenir stores downtown)
1.Be brave and aggressive.
◦Be direct.
◦Grab all opportunities.
◦Use varying methods of attack.
◦Be versatile and agile.
◦Attack one target at a time.
◦Don’t plan everything in detail.
◦Use top quality weapons.
2.Be prepared.
◦Keep weapons in good condition.
◦Keep in shape.
◦Find good battle comrades.
◦Agree on important points.
◦Choose one chief.
3.Be a good merchant.
◦Find out what the market needs.
◦Don’t make promises that you can’t keep.
◦Don’t demand overpayment.
◦Arrange things so that you can return.
4.Keep the camp in order.
◦Keep things tidy and organized.
◦Arrange enjoyable activities which strengthen the group.
◦Make sure everyone does useful work.
◦Consult all members of the group for advice.
I guess you can still see some of the Viking Laws in use in today’s work culture!
Disclaimer: I do not mean to offend anyone with this article and I do realise that everyone and every company is different. The above is just general information gathered from different sources. Feel free to disagree in the comments below
See entire Culture Shock Norway series here.
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About Cynthia Myrnes
Cynthia is a Singaporean who has been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008 with her Norwegian husband. She works as a physiotherapist here and also owns her own petsitting service, Stavanger Petsitter, for the residents of Stavanger. In addition, she manages the Stavanger International Moms group. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with animals, travelling and watersports such as scuba diving and wake boarding. Most of all, she is enjoying the experience of being a first time mom!
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