Apart from the language, there are subtle but noticeable differences between our business cultures, dress codes, approaches to alcohol consumption, and the list goes on and on. Having worked in Sweden for several years, I have learned to embrace and appreciate these differences, look at them from both sides of the Øresund, and leverage the strengths of each culture in both professional and social contexts.

From the outside looking in, however, we are also very much alike, and just as fish can’t see water, we are often blind to elements of our own culture, because we take norms, habits, and social practices for granted. One such element often highlighted by foreigners living in both Denmark and Sweden is that it is considered hard to make friends with Swedes and Danes. Although both nationalities are generally considered to be nice and friendly, foreigners seem to agree that it can be difficult to take the next step and actually make friends with us.

One obstacle is that both Danes and Swedes often keep work and leisure strictly separate, which means that a good work relationship does not necessarily convert into a friendship.

Another obstacle is that we tend to form our social circles early and they then become rather closed. Maybe one explanation is that we are already struggling to find time to see our existing friends, which reduces our appetite to make new friends. In a global industry such as life science where the competition for talent is fierce and talent retention is crucial, this soft and somewhat invisible cultural element is actually a barrier to growth, diversity, and innovation. Attracting talent and convincing people to stay is no longer just a matter of favorable salary packages and career opportunities. To move to, and especially to stay in, another country is increasingly a family decision, which means that the whole family must embrace the host country and its culture and feel welcome.

I believe a few small and simple steps might help move us in the right direction. To begin with, inviting a foreign colleague or neighbor and his/her family for dinner could be one such step. Or how about inviting a foreign colleague or neighbor to participate in sports or other social activities? One of the few occasions where Danes and Swedes do open their social circles somewhat is when we meet other parents at daycare, school, or the children’s sports activities. If our foreign guests have children, it does not take much effort to reach out and offer them a lift, invite them for birthdays, etc. Generally, it is always easier for both adults and children if you feel invited than if you feel you have to ask to join. Let’s embrace the uncomfortable fact that we are often perceived as being distant and hard to befriend and let’s work to change that perception one step at a time.

We need to be an attractive destination for business and talent, and culture is part of that. Let’s embrace the uncomfortable fact that we are often perceived as being distant and hard to befriend and let’s work to change that perception one step at a time. It might not only enrich our society and economy, but perhaps also our individual social life more generally. 

About the author

Niels Abel Bonde is the Chairman of Medicon Valley Alliance (MVA). He is a recurring columnist in NLS magazine. This column was originally published in NLS No 03 2024.