The Swiss office experience

Today I attended my first (personal) apero. For those of you that don't know, the Swiss have 'aperos' after meetings, after events or, as in today's case, to commemorate someone's departure. It essentially consists of a (few) drink(s) and some finger food supplied by the hosting party. I have been to - and taken full advantage of - some company sponsored ones already but today was the first I've attended held for someone leaving the office. Two of our Russian colleagues will be heading back to Moscow at the end of the week and as such treated our group to some Baden brewed Muller Brau, chips, pretzels and crackers. Some nice things were said by the boss and conversation about travel, drinking and, inevitably, Russia flourished while we enjoyed our beers. In the coffeeroom. At work.

Bruce and I noted how foreign this concept is to us as Canadians; back home, beer in the workplace would surely digress into belligerence and topless dancing on the photocopier... I have to say that, while I'm still leaning towards not wanting to work for a big company in the future, the swiss - nay the european - attitude towards work and labor is one that I can far more easily jibe with. From the 25 days vacation to the 1 month's salary christmas bonus to the un-metered coffee breaks, they seem to understand the best way to draw productivity from their employees. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, after all. Throw in the fact that there is a company sponsored doctor across the street and you see that the company really does care for its people.

Actually, the other day I was approached by someone from some labor group or union or some such thing here in Baden. He was trying to tell me how the working class in Switzerland has to fight to maintain and improve its working conditions and I had to stop myself from telling him not to be so bloody greedy!