Did Sweden Finally Give The World Something to Think About?

Hey Steemians

I was just browsing through the latest articles doing the rounds online and spotted something really interesting happening in Sweden. Yeah, I know what do they do there anyway? Short of giving us IKEA, Meatballs and ABBA they've been fairly quiet.

So it was surprising to see them release data on a project they've been testing out for 2 damn decades. Why has it taken so long for me to hear about this? Come on Sweden, up your marketing game, the world wants to know what you're up to if its something cool and helpful.

Ya'll have Smartphones out there, don't you? Send us a message!

Enterpreship leave

For the last two decades, Sweden has allowed full-time workers with permanent jobs have had the right to take a six-month leave of absence to launch a company (or alternatively, to study or to look after a relative).

Bosses can only say no if there are crucial operational reasons they can’t manage without a staff member, or if the new business is viewed as direct competition. Employees are expected to be able to return in the same position as previously.

Image source: BBC

School of hard knocks

Having started my own business just under 3 years ago I think this is a fantastic approach to giving entrepreneurs that little push they need. There will always be doubt in your mind when starting a business and giving up a sure thing so having the option to choose between the two within a 6 month period removes a major psychological stumbling block for many who want to start a business.

Why does this matter?

Sweden, has a population of just 10 million, yet they have developed a reputation as one of the most innovative countries in Europe in recent years. The most commonly-cited reasons its start-up scene has grown so quickly include strong digital infrastructure.

Enforcing a culture of collaboration and affordable private unemployment insurance, which provides a larger social safety net than in many countries gives rise to more risk takers or become scale-ups themselves and improve the economy over time.

Sweden is giving citizens the platform it's all up to them if they want to use it or not, not trying to force it with promises of money but giving entrepreneurs the choice and freedom to explore the option in a more organic way encourages real sustainable business.

People then have a plan B while they explore their passion, and when passion an idea and hard work combine normally it becomes a pretty big deal in business.

Have your say

Do you think this is a cool idea? Would you take the opportunity? Do you think it would work in your country? Do you think it would help small business owners or people that have a side hustle?

Drop me a comment and let's get chatting!

Source:

• BBC

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