It’s a noun (“Would you like to take a fika?”), a verb (“We’re fika-ing this afternoon”), an everyday ritual, and a state of mind. Fika is the Swedish concept of taking a pause in the day to drink a cup of coffee, sometimes together with a small sweet treat, and connect with each other—in person (no Slack, texts, or DMs).
True to our Swedish roots, many of us at Spotify try to make time for fika—whether in the morning (around 9 a.m.) or in the afternoon (around 3 p.m.), not only in Stockholm but at our offices globally.
Fika is “definitely a social thing,” Johanna says. “Chatting with colleagues builds trust, but it’s also a way to actually meet and talk about common work problems, which might not happen in your normal day-to-day routines.”
Malin, who works in Spotify operations in Stockholm, notes a benefit of this “moment of relaxation,” as she calls it. While “it is not supposed to be productive—rather the opposite,” Malin says, “taking a break from work in the afternoon or having a coffee helps me be more focused.” While work chat is fair game, fika is the time for conversation about what’s happening beyond your desk.
There’s actually science behind the benefits of this sit-down. Studies have shown that, caffeine boost aside, taking fika-esque breaks throughout the day improves productivity and boosts creativity. And while “there are no rules when it comes to fika,” Malin says, she believes that it’s best done with technology set aside.
It’s also a great connector. “Growing up in ‘small town’ Sweden, we would have fika almost every day. It was a great way for friends to come together and hang out for a moment,” says Rasmus, a designer at Spotify. Now based in New York, he finds a global community in fika: “It’s a fun thing to do with my Swedish friends here, and most likely people from other nationalities will join as well.”
There’s no right or wrong way to fika. Phones off (even for just a few minutes), conversation on—and let the coffee do the rest.
the study that they mention...
translated from Swedish:
Breaks and snacking at work are good for health and make us work more efficiently. Employees who regularly take breaks during the work day become more creative than their colleagues. Shows from the research from the Baylor university school of business USA. According to a Swedish survey of 8,000 people there is a clear connection between snack breaks and increased focus: the breaks lead to working more efficiently afterwards. Working in an environment with obvious meeting places encourages breaks and socialising with colleagues from different departments - which in turn results in more creative employees and a better atmosphere. The research shows that the meeting between colleagues with different areas of knowledge increases creativity. It also strengthens the community, which increases well-being and we-feeling. Our brains also need digital breaks. Being constantly connected and accessible via email, sms, chat and mobile is exhausting for the brain. When we turn off the flow of information and devote ourselves to something completely different - like a leisurely walk or conversation with colleagues in a comfortable sitting group - the brain is able to recover. We get the power and inspiration to do a better job. Perhaps the most effective break we get outdoors. In addition to an environment change being positive, we need to replace the artificial light with daylight and also fill the lungs with new oxygen.
8 ways to take a break, gain perspective and work more efficiently:
- create inviting meeting places beyond desktops. A sofa by the coffee machine or a nice environment with inviting chairs, tables and rugs near the printer.
- If you have a sedentary job get up regularly and go for a walk, the movement itself makes you think clearer.
- Break from the sitting position by standing and working regularly.
- Decorate a 'mini gym' in the workplace with soft rugs, jump ropes, rubber bands and other tools that don't take up to much space.
- Make it a habit to always take a walk outdoors at lunch. Daylight, fresh air and exercise give you new energy.
- Book stimulating breaks - like a workout at lunch or a walk/lunch with a good friend. Prioritise these in the same way that you prioritise an important job meeting.
- Get outdoor furniture in the workplace, which will attract you and your colleagues into the spring sun.
- Talk to a coach or mentor regularly. Provides perspective and inspiration.
link : https://newsroom.spotify.com/2018-11-12/more-than-coffee-talk-fika-isnt-just-a-phenomenon-its-our-daily-pause/
No comments:
Post a Comment