An introduction to the fika break
Every country has traditions that punctuate daily life. While in England, afternoon tea sets the rhythm for our friends across the Channel with their beloved Earl Grey, the Swedes have their own counterpart: the Fika break.
Fika is a word derived from "kaffe" (the traditional coffee break) in Swedish, and refers to the country's favourite gourmet break! The idea isn't to grab a quick coffee between two tasks, but to take a REAL break, away from screens, emails, Zoom and the rest. Fika is more than a tradition; it is a true institution in Sweden. A genuine moment of sharing, connecting, and relaxing with colleagues over a warm drink and sweet treats, the fika break is even mandatory in some Swedish companies.
Perhaps fika is the secret to happiness in Sweden… At Kusmi, we certainly believe so, and we've even adopted it ourselves. Here are our secrets to inspiring your colleagues and employers to embrace the fika break: a dedicated wellness break at the office.
Our tips for trying the Fika break at the office
Would you like to give it a try and convert your entire open-plan office? Let's go—we'll give you the keys to introducing your team to this Swedish art of living!
When and for how long should you take your break at the office?
Fika break rule no. 1: set a time slot and stick to it! Did you know that, according to a study, 2:55 pm is the least productive time in a working day? Bingo—kill two birds with one stone!
With whom?
The fika break is a wonderful excuse to meet colleagues you don't work with directly. So to start a small fika group, invite 2 colleagues you know well and ask them to invite someone you don't interact with every day. And just like that, the snowball effect begins: you meet new people and unwind together over a cup of tea at the office! Great idea, isn't it?
Where should you take your fika break?
THE ultimate question! Generally speaking, the "office" atmosphere isn't particularly "hygge"… let's face it! No matter, improvise! This convivial moment can be shared around a table, in a staff canteen, or even in a meeting room… the key to success is taking the time to pause together over a cup of tea at the office (or anywhere else).
How?
Traditionally, the fika break is enjoyed over coffee, but as you might imagine, at Kusmi, we are all about organic tea and herbal infusions. Like us, opt for a teapot of our organic Sweet Break herbal infusion.. The essential ingredient is also a pastry… mmm, the Swedes truly know best, enjoying delicious cinnamon rolls, "kanelbullar". The real secret is also, naturally, to disconnect. So, leave behind both your laptop and your mobile phone (and it feels so good!). Make the most of this break at work to treat yourself to a pastry and a hot cup of tea.
Keep up the rhythm!
For fika beginners, you can start by scheduling it twice a week, and before long… you'll get a taste for it and the fika break will naturally become a daily ritual. The more you practice it, the more you will appreciate its benefits. When we say taking a break at work is essential... believe us!
In praise of fika and the benefits of an office tea break
Now that we know how to embrace the fika break at work, let's learn more about the benefits of taking a break during the workday. What are the perks of workplace breaks? Are breaks at work beneficial? The office tea break: why adopt it?
Fika boosts productivity
A scheduled break initiated by the company, taken guilt-free and in sync by the entire team, will significantly boost employee efficiency. Viveka Adelswärd, professor at Linköping University, one of Sweden's largest, explains that "studies show that those who take a break during work do not accomplish less. It is quite the opposite: these gatherings can enhance efficiency at work."
For his part, computer scientist and researcher Alex Pentland, who has dedicated several studies to workplaces, concluded that introducing regular breaks in the workplace increased employee productivity by 10 to 15% and job satisfaction by 10%. Over an organic tea and a sweet treat, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. Colleagues often chat about their work and ongoing projects. Some might mention an obstacle on a file, which others can help resolve. Conflicts that might create tension around a meeting table resolve themselves naturally in the fikarum (the room dedicated to fika), during a friendly conversation.
Fika sparks creativity
It is during informal conversations that the best ideas emerge. Free from fear of judgment, under the guise of a break away from the desk, people dare to express themselves differently, let their imagination run free, and take more initiative. Knowledge is shared, skills enrich one another, and creative energy quickly builds.
A lovely fika break is often more effective than a long, tedious brainstorming session, as it offers the essential step back needed for clear, fruitful thinking.
Fika strengthens team cohesion
Over a hot drink, people feel safe to open up. You see that quiet colleague from the neighbouring open-plan space in a warmer, more human light. You chat, you share—in short, you finally communicate.
Fika promotes physical well-being
A sedentary routine reduces efficiency. More and more employees spend hours glued to their computer screens, resulting in tense shoulders, tired eyes, and numb legs… Getting up, walking, taking a deep breath, and brewing an organic herbal tea relaxes the body, revitalising it with fresh energy. In this way, fika reduces feelings of stress and sharpens focus once back at your desk.
The benefits and advantages of taking a tea break at workare well proven. Why not give it a try? Happiness at work is within reach, for the benefit of both employees and management—let's seize it today!