Written by Ravindu
01 Feb 2026
One concept that often comes up when people talk about Sweden is its “flat society.” It’s the idea that hierarchy plays a smaller role in everyday interactions.
I had heard this phrase many times before moving here and had even read about it while preparing for my studies. But it wasn’t until I started living in Sweden that I realized how deeply this mindset is woven into daily life. I only became fully aware of this change during a visit outside Sweden.
When “Sir” Suddenly Felt Foreign
Last year, I travelled to Sweden’s southern neighbor, Denmark, to visit my father after almost a year apart. He was attending a conference for medical professionals, and I joined him during his stay. Throughout the trip, there was a guide assisting the group with accommodation, logistics, and conference arrangements, and something caught my attention almost immediately. The guide consistently referred to my father and the other professionals as “Sir.”
That word felt strangely unfamiliar to me… which surprised me!
Growing up in Sri Lanka, using titles is deeply rooted in daily interactions. At school, we would always refer to our teachers by some title: male teachers were always “Sir” and female teachers were “Miss” or “Madam.” In shops, service staff politely greet customers with “Sir” or “Madam.” They are everywhere! Titles are widely used to show respect, acknowledge authority, and reflect social hierarchy. It’s simply part of normal communication.
But after living in Sweden for just a few months, hearing those formal titles again felt unusual. That moment made me realise how quickly I had adapted to Sweden’s cultural approach to equality and communication.
The First Name Culture at University
One of the clearest examples of Sweden’s flat hierarchy appears in university life.
When I first arrived, I found it slightly uncomfortable to address professors by their first names. Many of these lecturers and researchers have decades of academic experience, international publications, and incredible expertise. In many countries, students would naturally use formal titles such as Professor or Doctor.
In Sweden, however, it is completely normal, and expected, to simply say, “Hi Patrick!” or “Good Morning Heléne!” Even when writing emails, instead of the “Dear Sir” or Dear Madam” I was used to, we are expected to just greet with a simple “Hej Sanja!”
At first, it felt awkward. I worried that using first names might seem disrespectful. But over time, I realized that this system is not about reducing respect. Instead, it reflects two core values that are often associated with Swedish society: equality and trust.
Students are encouraged to actively participate in discussions, question ideas, and collaborate with lecturers rather than passively receiving information. I believe the absence of strict titles actually helps create an environment where communication feels open and approachable.
Experiencing Flat Hierarchies in the Workplace
I’ve also experienced this structure while working part-time as a Digital Ambassador.
In fact, for quite a long time, I didn’t even realise who my manager was. Everyone communicated so openly and casually that there didn’t seem to be a visible hierarchy. My manager felt more like a supportive team member than a distant authority figure. I even struggled at one point to figure out what job title to use when describing their role.
This experience showed me how Swedish workplaces often emphasize collaboration rather than top-down management.
Learning About It Beyond University
During a career development programme I attended in Sweden, this concept of non-hierarchical workplace culture was a major discussion topic. The programme included participants from different countries and cultural backgrounds, and many of us noticed how different this approach felt compared to our home countries.
For some, it initially felt confusing. Without clear hierarchies, it can sometimes be difficult to understand roles or decision-making structures. However, many participants, including myself, also recognised the benefits of this system in creating inclusive and supportive environments.
Does Flat Hierarchy Mean Less Respect?
Not at all.
Calling a professor by their first name does not mean ignoring their expertise or achievements. The respect still exists. It is simply expressed differently. Instead of being shown through titles, respect in Sweden is often demonstrated through listening, collaboration, and mutual trust. The underlying idea is that everyone deserves respect as individuals, regardless of job titles or social position. Experience and knowledge are valued, but they don’t necessarily create rigid social barriers.
As an international student from Sri Lanka, adapting to Sweden’s flat society initially required some adjustment, especially in academic and professional settings. However, over time, I’ve grown to genuinely appreciate this structure. It creates a strong sense of belonging and encourages open communication. I feel like It also helps students feel more confident engaging with lecturers and supervisors.
While every culture has its own way of doing things, experiencing Sweden’s approach has shown me how refreshing trust and equality can feel in everyday life. It honestly made me think that a little bit of this mindset could make studying and working environments in many parts of the world feel more open and comfortable.
