Working in Sweden – Agata Ceglecka

My name is Agata – I am an HR and labor law specialist and the author of this book. Let me briefly tell you how I came to write it and why I encourage you to read it.

Eighteen years ago, I started thinking seriously about emigrating from Poland to Scandinavia. I was fascinated by the idea of life in the far North. I imagined what it would be like to live in a country where for half the year, it is bright, and for the other half, it is dark. I read books and stories from people who had made the move, and I attended language courses.

At that time, I was working as a librarian at a university in Szczecin. I didn’t feel any job satisfaction—only scarcity and constant lack. I didn’t want to live that way anymore, relying on year-end bonuses, allowances for worn-out clothes, or getting six bars of soap and one towel as a yearly benefit.

The decision was made—my then-husband got a job in his field, and that’s how I found myself in Borås, Sweden.

In Sweden, I first learned the language and got my first job as a caregiver for the elderly. Later, I became a translator while also working as a baker on the side. A bit later, I became a prison officer. That’s when I decided to go to university.

I earned a degree in Human Resource Management, and from that moment, my fascination with the Swedish work model began. Because Den svenska arbetsmodellen is truly a spectacular system—it laid the foundation for one of the world’s best employee protection structures. Thanks to this model, Sweden has made great progress in gender equality, sustainable business development, and economic well-being for workers.

Later, I worked as an HR Manager at the world’s cleanest tannery in Sweden, whose management was based in Italy. This gave me daily professional challenges, as combining the employee-friendly Swedish work model with the strict demands of Italian business owners required a constant juggling of regulations, creativity, and adaptability.

Today, I run my own business as a consultant for companies, specializing in safe work environments and HR management. Every day, I learn something new, and each day brings me new value. The best part? I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not. I’ve fulfilled myself professionally, and I wish the same for you.

Sweden is a land of opportunities.
Read my book and see for yourself!