SKÖNA FIKA

We’re not having fika IRL but at Sköna, we need our fika. It’s tradition. So we’ve gone virtual. This 15-minute fika break gives us time to check-in with each other - even if that means through a quick Zoom. 

We love what we do - most of the time we’re huddled over our keyboards at our WFH makeshift desks. We’re moving pixels, designing, developing, planning, and strategizing. But everyone needs a break.

Pre-social distancing and quarantine, 3 pm meant a trip to the office fika bar. Now that we’re working remotely, we meet on Slack, Zoom, and sometimes even Animal Crossing to chat dogs, homeschooling, restaurants we can’t wait to go to, and the commute we never thought we’d miss.

We virtual fika because it’s good for our mental health. It’s vital for our required dosage of caffeine and treats. Last year we made a custom fika bar to remind us of the importance of taking a break. We miss it but we’ve adapted to our new at home fika setup too! Research shows that Swedish workers are less stressed, more creative, and productive compared to other nationalities due to their fika breaks. We need that now more than ever. 

So go pencil in your virtual fika now! Slack your coworkers. Start the coffee pot and get baking. In this book, you’ll find our favorite recipes for fikabröd - that’s Swedish for pastries - so you can get your quarantine baking on and start your own fika tradition. 

If you want to experience a virtual Sköna fika, we’d love to see you on Zoom - just send us a note!

FIKARUM [f'i:ka rum:]

Coffee break room

Every office has one, a place or room where you meet to fika. A great fikarum has a great coffee maker, comfy chairs, and some nice mugs. We’re very proud of our fikabar, so feel free to stop by and check it out!
 

KAFFEREP [k'af:e re:p]

The predecessor to fika

This word is literally translated as “coffee rope” – no one actually knows why it’s called that. The kafferep became the thing for women to do in the '30s but has declined in popularity over the years. At a kafferep you were always offered coffee, seven different kinds of small cookies, buns and a cake. Seven was the magic number as you would be seen as stingy if you served less than seven and stuck-up if you served more.

FIKADAGS [f’i:ka dak:s]

Time for Fika

Basically, it can be fikadags anytime, you don’t have to wait until after lunch. Just listen to your body tell you when you need a break, a little push to finish what you have at hand, or to come up with something brilliant.

FIK [fi:k]

Coffee shop

This is a restaurant designated for fika, which you by now know is a social thing. Unlike its American counterpart where people go to get work done, a fik is instead a place where you really just go to have coffee with friends. In the southwestern part of Sweden you’ll find Alingsås, the capital of fika with the most cafés per capita. It’s a cute town, you should visit. 

FINFIKA [f’in f'i:ka]

Fancy fika

Special occasions deserve fancier pastries! Birthdays, new client wins, or campaign launches at Sköna deserve special treatment, and for these occasions, we up our pastry game.