It is considered a state of mind and a way of life in Sweden. Fika [fi:ka] is the practice of taking coffee breaks: spending time with friends and colleagues and enjoying coffee. It requires one to be deliberate in the practice, take a break and intentionally socialize with others. In many workplaces, it is encouraged and typically takes place twice a day, mid-morning and mid-afternoon. The practice entails not only having a cup of coffee or tea but also enjoying a slice of cake, a cinnamon bun or cookies, or one of each if you desire. On average, Swedes dedicate nine and a half days a year to fika.
The result is that workers in Sweden overall feel less stressed and have higher job satisfaction. The Swedes are not alone. In Italy, they have ‘prendiamoci un caffe’’ – ‘let’s grab a coffee’, and some other countries take a tea break.
You can hear those not familiar with this thinking saying that it is a loss of productivity or that ‘one does not have time.’ Does that necessarily suggest we are more engaged and productive if we don’t take these breaks? What about the time spent walking around and chatting throughout the day or reading and posting on social media? What sense is there in having one feeling overwhelmed during the day? How do these impact our effectiveness?
Further research reflects that individuals who work for a set period, typically thirty minutes plus, and then take a planned short break of five minutes in between, are far more productive and creative than those who remain on task for lengthy periods and trudge through the day.
It is all a matter of how we measure productivity. If it is time spent, then there is a clear winner. But, on the other hand, if it is about less stress and ultimately happier, healthier workers, who get into a flow which will result in increased output, creativity, fewer sick days are taken, increased job satisfaction, and less staff turnover, the Swedes may have it well thought out.
Enjoy fika today, and if at home via zoom, make a coffee and call a colleague to catch up for 10 minutes. It is the small things that all add up.
