Investor says young workers put self before team

Investor Lena Apler says younger workers often have a more individualistic approach to work, telling SVT that they may put themselves before the team.

“It is not as if the company asked you to come in to make your life happy,” Apler said on the programme Skavlan and Sweden. She said some job applicants ask what a company can do for them and expect a high salary soon after completing their education.

Entrepreneur Ashkan Pouya said he recognises the attitude but sees it positively. “In a way, I like it. They value their lives, their time,” he said, adding that he sees it as a driving force.

Lena Lid Falkman, a lecturer at Karlstad University and the Stockholm School of Economics who researches working life, said younger workers do not have lower work ethic, but have different expectations. Those expectations can sometimes clash with those of older generations, she said.

The programme is scheduled to be available on SVT Play from 15:00 and to air on SVT 1 at 21:00 on Friday.