iPhones to paid vacations: Indian techie's Swedish work benefits go viral, internet calls it 'dream job'

Ashutosh's video resonated with many, sparking discussions about work-life balance and employee rights.

An Indian software developer based in Sweden has garnered widespread attention online after sharing a video detailing the generous employee benefits offered in Swedish workplaces, contrasting them with the more demanding work culture often experienced in India.

In his Instagram reel, Ashutosh highlighted several perks that are standard in Sweden but considered exceptional in many other countries. These include 30 days of paid vacation annually, which employees can take without requiring formal approval—only a notification to their supervisor is needed. Additionally, new hires receive the latest iPhone and a laptop as part of their onboarding package.

Sweden's emphasis on employee well-being extends further. Companies offer wellness allowances ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 for services like gym memberships and massages. For remote workers, there's an additional setup allowance of up to Rs 50,000. Employees also benefit from a Rs 10,000 monthly lunch allowance, discounted car leases, and an impressive 480 days of paid parental leave, covering 80% of their salary.

In cases of job loss, Sweden's union system provides financial support for up to nine months, ensuring a safety net for employees during transitions. During summer months, working hours become even more flexible, granting employees additional time off.

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A post shared by Ashutosh Samal (@roamwithashutosh)

Ashutosh's video resonated with many, sparking discussions about work-life balance and employee rights. One user commented, "Our dream job." Another noted, "Leave lena haq hai but yaha manager ko inform karna nahi, pehle use manana padta hai (Taking leaves is our right but here we don't have to inform but pacify the manager first)," highlighting the challenges of taking leave in more rigid work environments. A third simply stated, "Happy for you."

"Konse company me ho? Andar se dukhi kar diya ye dikha ke because it's vice versa in India (In which company do you work? I am sad after watching your video because it's vice versa in India)," another user remarked.