'Norwegian office workers are lazy': How do Swedes rate life in Norway?

"What's the difference between living in Sweden and Norway? Is life in one country better than the other? Who better to ask than three unbiased Swedes living in Norway. While both Sweden and Norway often rank among the happiest countries in the world, as well among the nations offering the best quality of life they are definite differences some more subtle when it comes to work, family and free time."

"The Norwegian welfare state is bigger than Sweden's, with [state welfare agency] NAV, paternity leave and more. From my corporate job, I've observed many Norwegian office workers spending around one to two hours per month visiting their doctor during work hours with full pay," says the 3-year-old manager of a team of eight. Workers tend to demand full flexibility and take little responsibility for the company when children are sick or when going on paternity leave they just take off and expect everything to be fine," he adds."

Norway has a stronger job market and lower unemployment than Sweden, producing more job opportunities for cross-border workers. The Norwegian welfare state provides broader benefits, including NAV services, generous paternity leave and paid doctor visits during work hours. Norwegian employees often take greater leave and expect flexibility, sometimes reducing employer responsibility for coverage when children are sick. Swedish work culture tends to emphasize finding parental leave solutions that are manageable for employers and shared responsibility. Both countries rank highly for happiness and quality of life, but concrete differences affect work, family obligations and daily routines for residents.

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