Workplace Wonder

I am beginning this week's piece discussing the differences between my Swedish and Australian positions. I feel the most striking difference, a must to begin with, is the building I work in (circa 1880s).

Bonnierförlagen is a much larger organization than Weldon Owen, with maybe 300 employees to Weldon Owen's 20. I should have expected larger premises. What I didn't expect was such grand premises. Stunning spiral staircases, grand entrance ways connecting the floors, high ceilings, ornate plaster work and a bookshop devoted to staff only.

My favorite thing I've discovered in a few offices are Swedish fireplaces  (circa 1900s, not unlike ones I recently saw in the Swedish Royal Palace). Whilst not operational, they look fabulous and give such an individual feel to the offices.  I particularly am enjoying more space and feel lucky to be out of the highly favored Australia 'open plan' workplace.  I have moved into a large office with just two others. In most cases, Bonnier Fakta have no more than 2 in each room and the rooms are very large, emphasized by high ceillings and parquetry flooring throughout. I would also like to gush over the wallpaper panels in the marketing department downstairs.

Art covers the walls of all the offices, hallways and break rooms. It is diverse and of particularly good taste and perhaps an explanation for the high level of security. I have heard of the Bonnier Art Gallery, which I have access to and intend to visit on a later date, which houses the rest of the Bonnier collection.

I find two features of my new workplace quite novel, the first being that mobile phones replace all desk telephones. They are equipped with ear-pieces, basically working only within the building. Employees take their phones to meetings (on silent) and are often taking business calls up and down the hallways.

Feature two, the adjustable/electronic desks, which conveniently allow workers to stand while working on their computers, allowing a change of position throughout the day. I seem to be the only one here that needs to adjust to the sight of people standing at their desks.

Hours are as flexible as the furniture—chosen and accountable by the employee within a certain time range, which allows a strong balance between work and personal lives. All these differences are slight, but they allow flexibility and little independences, which are integral to the 'happy' Swedish work ethic.

All in all, the environment is inspiring, creative and very human. I am lucky to be here.