Evolution: Recruit, Develop, Improve
What Fika Is and Why We’ve Started Doing It
While embracing my Swedish heritage, I learned about the Swedish practice of fika, which really intrigued me.
So, what exactly is fika?
It’s taking a break from work with friends or colleagues. Traditionally, the break includes coffee and pastries and does not include screens or any conversation about work.
The purpose is to connect with others and deepen relationships, thereby improving productivity and overall well-being.
It’s commonly practiced for 15 minutes daily, often at 10 a.m. and/or 3 p.m. Pretty cool, eh?
I learned that it is such an important part of the Swedish culture that Sweden’s Right of Public Access allows you to fika almost anywhere. Some companies in Sweden protect fika to the extent of writing allowable fika breaks into employment contracts. Now that’s commitment to a practice!
I began to consider: Why is fika so highly regarded and protected in Swedish culture? What can we learn from this practice and apply in our workplaces?
A few thoughts came to mind…
Fika is enjoyed with people who matter to you.
It’s all about people and relationships—no one knows that better than a human resource professional or accomplished leader.
In our hybrid, remote, flexible, Teams-call, and “always busy” work environments, it has become increasingly difficult to cultivate meaningful relationships with our work partners.
Yet, we do our best work when we have high functioning teams who enjoy their time together.
We can help to create an environment where that happens in fika, as it promotes intentional time spent as a team and therefore strengthened relationships.
Fika requires a break from work.
Fika is about so much more than just walking away from our offices and setting our phones down. It’s about rich and authentic conversation that includes any topic—except work!
Fika in the workplace provides an opportunity to reset your mind for 15 minutes while engaging in good food, good coffee, and probably a few good laughs.
Think fika doesn’t make your team more productive? Check out this study to learn why fika might unlock some real productivity gains for your team.
Fika is a revered cultural practice that dates back to the 18th century.
There aren’t many traditions that stand the test of time. Fika has, so we believe there must be value in it.
We see it as a great concept that is worth trying. It doesn’t need to be a daily practice; start it with your team once each week and see how it goes.
In a workplace culture that runs at high speed and provides very little time for development of authentic relationships, it seems like fika is an employee engagement practice whose time has come.
Ready to bring fika to your workplace?
At Welsh & Associates, we believe fostering meaningful connections is essential for building strong teams and successful organizations.
Start your fika tradition to create a culture of engagement, collaboration, and productivity.
We’d love to see your team embracing fika! Send us your photos and let us know how it’s helping your organization grow stronger.