Wary of moving to a country where polar bears supposedly roam the streets? Don’t be! Let these five compelling reasons convince you to work in Sweden.
1. Workers have strong rights
Workers’ rights are one of the cornerstones of the modern Swedish labour market. Labour unions are powerful, and collective bargaining has meant the development of an environment where the health and safety of employees come first. In addition to union support, a government agency, the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket), ensures employees’ well-being at work.
Read up on Swedish business and office culture.
2. Equality is key
Sweden’s anti-discrimination legislation ensures that everyone has the right to be treated equally regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation or functional disabilities.
Read more about Swedish equality.
3. Your family can get residence permits
Family-focused policies extend to migration regulations; when you apply for a work permit, you can also apply for residence permits for your spouse (including common-law and registered partners) and unmarried children under 21. Your family members can start to work or study right away when you get to Sweden.
4. Innovation is highly valued
Sweden encourages innovation. Companies in fields from ICT to energy are at the cutting edge of sustainable development and technological advancement. Swedish companies like IKEA, Ericsson and Spotify have fundamentally changed their fields – and continue to do so. International rankings like the Global Innovation Index confirm that Sweden is an innovation leader. If you work in Sweden, you could be a part of taking your field to the next level.
Read more about innovation in Sweden.
5. The welfare system is inclusive
In addition to a career where you’re encouraged to develop as an individual, comprehensive social benefits mean you don’t have to worry about the cost of healthcare, childcare or your children’s education. State subsidies make these and other aspects of life affordable, and many benefits are free of charge. Eighteen months of paid parental leave are offered per child, with job security when you return to work, and sick leave benefit means that you can focus on your health when you need to.
Read more about family life in Sweden.
(And no, there are no polar bears on the streets.)
