Fika – that’s what the coffee break is called in Sweden. We explain what makes a fika and how you can organize it in your workplace.
Swedes love and cherish their fika. The term fika comes from “ka-fi”, the old Swedish word for coffee. Fika is the usual coffee break that takes place twice a day in Sweden. Whether at home, at work or at university. As reported by Linköping University, the first break usually takes place between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. and the second in the afternoon around 3:00 p.m.
The Historical Origins of Fika
Do the origins of fika date back to the 19th century.
At that time there were hardly any luxury goods such as sugar or coffee in poor and pre-industrialized Sweden. They were rare and expensive. That is why they were reserved for the upper classes only.
From 1850, sugar and coffee prices fell. This made it possible for the other classes to buy imported luxury goods from time to time. In addition, modern kitchen equipment slowly became available, so that the Swedish population could also bake cakes and cookies in their own kitchens.
In the decades that followed, it became common practice to drink coffee with family, neighbors and acquaintances. The fika became an institution and remains so to this day.
The fika at work
Quality time at work… is that possible? For the Swedish population, this way of thinking is not a problem, but part of their attitude towards life: the coffee break at work is not primarily about recharging the energy batteries with caffeine.
At a fika at work, employees meet their boss to talk and exchange ideas over coffee and pastries. This can be in the morning or in the afternoon.
For German esprit, fika sounds like an unproductive waste of time. For Swedish culture, on the other hand, fika is important for socializing, discussing and spending time together.
Because of this possibility, fika is a sign of a democratic corporate culture. Because the hierarchy is irrelevant in the discussions in the team. This seems to motivate the employees to be able to talk about problems in their work in a relaxed atmosphere even during the fika.
Tips: This is part of a fika at work
Would you also like to try out the fika concept at work? Here we have some tips for you:
The most important thing that makes a coffee break a communal fika is the people. Talk to your supervisor and your colleagues if they know the concept of fika and maybe want to try it out together for two or three afternoons during working hours.
The Fika is not just for coffee drinkers. You can also create your fika with your favorite tea, a delicious juice or water.
In addition to the drink, cinnamon rolls, sponge cake, savory waffles, cookies or even vegan waffles as well as a sandwich can be part of it. Each participating person can share the treats they have brought with the others.
Enjoy your quality time together and talk about interesting things that you might not have known about each other.
