In Sweden, lagom -the principle of “not too much, not too little”- is not a slogan but a genuine framework for work.
The idea is straightforward: perform one’s duties diligently, without allowing work to spill over into personal life. And this balance is built through concrete measures: a more horizontal relationship to hierarchy, flexible working hours, trust over presenteeism, and a strong focus on employees’ health and physical activity.
A few examples? The friskvårdstimme* allows employees, depending on the applicable collective agreement, to devote one hour of their working time each week to physical activity, or simply to getting some fresh air. The friskvårdssubvention** enables employees to be reimbursed for the costs of regular sports activities, sometimes in full or up to approximately 2,000 SEK (around €180) per year.
This daily attention to wellbeing may partly explain why Sweden consistently ranks among the countries with the highest quality of life. There, wellbeing is not an accessory, it is embedded in the social model.
In France, consideration of “QVCT” (Quality of Life and Working Conditions) is progressing but remains uneven. Expectations, however, are clear. In 2024, and 2025, 92% of employees viewed “QVCT” as an important or priority issue, while two out of three reported physical and psychological difficulties linked to work***.
Taking inspiration from the Swedish model may be a reminder that balance is built not improvised.
Looking for your own balance?
ærige is here to support you.
* “well-being hour”
** “well-being grant”
***Baromètre de la Qualité de Vie au Travail & Qualisocial
