A technology professional in Sweden praises Gen Z for their fight against hustle culture; 'I barely questioned it.'
Sweden is a completely different world.
Ankur Tyagi, a software engineer from India who moved to Sweden in 2021, has shared his observations on the remarkable differences between the work environments of both countries. His reflections highlight significant variations in priorities, methods, and attitudes towards employee well-being. Ankur, a graduate of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University in Lucknow, worked several years in the tech industry in India before relocating to Sweden.
In his work experience in India, Ankur described a culture where overwork is often celebrated, with long hours considered a badge of honor. In a recent message, he recalled instances where managers would stay in the office until 10 p.m., returning the next day at 9 a.m. He also mentioned colleagues who spent entire nights at their desks, especially in tech hubs like Gurgaon, all in compliance with the latest client demands. Ankur emphasized that for many, the idea that "the customer is always right" prevails, often at the expense of employees' personal well-being.
According to Ankur, this mindset stems from the abundant availability of tech talent in India, where many feel trapped in an intense work culture. However, upon moving to Sweden, he found a work environment that is practically the opposite. Swedish employers, according to his observations, value trust, mutual respect, and work-life balance. Employees are encouraged to adhere to regular working hours, and flexibility in scheduling is the norm.
From what Ankur has shared, adjusting work hours in Sweden is as simple as sending a message to the team, without fear of being judged or questioned about one's commitment. For him, Sweden represents a "completely new world," and he has noticed how this cultural shift has transformed his perspective on work and life. He commented on the existence of mutual trust, respect for personal boundaries, and an understanding that a balanced life leads to better job performance. He also noted that Generation Z in India is beginning to revolutionize this work culture, establishing boundaries and challenging toxic expectations, while valuing their own time.