Reflections in the sky

My recent family trip to Sweden and Finland has allowed me to reflect on the experiences (my first visit to Sweden but my fourth to Finland) of the people, the culture, and nature – work, wellbeing, and relaxation.

• Originally posted to LinkedIn: 3rd March 2025 [Link]

One of the most striking aspects of Swedish and Finnish culture is their deep-rooted commitment to work-life balance. Concepts like ‘lagom‘ (Swedish for “just the right amount”) and ‘sisu‘ (Finnish for resilience and determination) shape both personal and professional lives. These cultures prioritise efficiency and quality over long hours, valuing time to unwind; whether that’s in nature, the sauna, or simply taking a quiet moment with friends or family over coffee and pastries (‘fika‘ in Sweden).

➡️ How might UK universities embed a similar sense of balance for staff and students? Could we take inspiration from the Nordic approach to wellbeing?

The long, dark winters in the Nordics encourage a different perspective on time and energy. Rather than resisting the cold and dark, people embrace it; finding joy in winter sports, candlelit cafés, and embracing the outdoors. This mindset mirrors the resilience required in education, leadership, and personal growth.

➡️ How do we, in our professional environments, learn to embrace challenging seasons or circumstances rather than resist them?

I visited both Stockholm and Helsinki and, despite being capitals, they felt incredibly connected to nature. Even in the depths of winter, people walk, cycle, and ski to get around. In Finland, the “everyman’s right” (‘jokamiehenoikeus‘) allows access to nature for all, reinforcing the idea that outdoor spaces belong to everyone.

➡️ What lessons can higher education take from this? Should universities rethink how they integrate nature, wellbeing, and reflection into the student and staff experience?

Scandinavian cultures embrace silence in a way that contrasts with more talkative cultures. Conversations don’t need to be filled with constant chatter, and reflective spaces are valued. This aligns with ideas of deep learning, critical thinking, and creating environments where people feel comfortable taking their time to process ideas.

➡️ How might this approach influence the way we think about teaching, leadership, and creating space for meaningful discussions?

If you are lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis, as I have on multiple visits, it’s a perfect metaphor for those moments in education and leadership when something truly magical happens; when a student has a breakthrough, a team comes together in a new way, or an idea transforms a project. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful experiences often require patience, the right conditions, and a bit of luck, but they’re always worth the wait.

➡️ How do we cultivate moments of inspiration in our work?

[ 📷 Photo credit. David Hopkins. Feb 18th, 2025: Friluftsmuseet Hägnan, Gammelstadt. Sweden]