Use first names with everyone, including the CEO

Norway has no professional titles in the workplace. You call your manager, their manager, and the CEO by their first name from day one. Using "De" (formal you) or titles like "Herr" sounds bizarre and will confuse people.

Lunch is eaten at your desk or in the canteen — not a social event

Many Norwegians bring a packed lunch (matpakke) and eat quickly, often at their desk or in the kantina in 20–30 minutes. Long lunches are not normal in most offices. Never be late back from lunch — punctuality is taken seriously.

Silence in meetings does not mean disagreement

Norwegians think before they speak. Long pauses in meetings are normal and respected. Do not fill silence with talking. If someone is quiet, they may be considering your point deeply — not dismissing it.

Directness is kindness, not rudeness

If a Norwegian colleague says "that approach has some problems", they mean it diplomatically. If they say "this won't work", take it seriously — they have thought it through. Equally, accept direct feedback without defensiveness; it is not personal.

Fredagskake is compulsory fun

Many offices rotate responsibility for bringing a cake on Friday. Skipping it is fine occasionally but participating signals that you are a team player. It is one of the easiest ways to break the ice with reserved colleagues.