Blåtur

A Norwegian’s social life mostly revolves around their family.  There is also an unspoken rule that adults don’t accept “friends” into their life after the age of 20.  Most adults hang out only with family members or childhood friends.  In the Christian community, things may be a bit more flexible, but outside of that, Norwegians pretty much keep to themselves.

The entire school system in Norway is set up to socialize children so they learn to get along with others.  They figure they will be easier to work with in their upcoming adult life.  Many Norwegians have the same job for decades, so having a difficult co-worker makes everyone miserable. People don’t tend to develop friendships with co-workers, and they never go out for drinks after work, as is common in America, but companies figured out a way to put co-workers together in an atmosphere outside of the job so they get to know one another better.  It’s called a “Blåtur” – literally meaning “blue trip” with the idea that the employees take a trip out “in the blue.”

The tradition of the Blåtur is that it is a complete mystery, paid for by the employer.  They happen at least once a year, but more frequently is the norm.  There is usually a committee in every large company that plans these mystery trips and all employees are invited to attend, with a sign-up sheet posted stating when it will happen and what will be required of the participant, i.e., appropriate attire or things they need to bring along.

These Blåtur  trips involve a nice dinner and often sleeping overnight in some special accomodations.  Transporation is provided by the employer whether they hire a bus or boat to get to their final destination.  Activities include things in the ”teambuilding” arena. 

The fun of the Blåtur for Norwegians is that they have no idea what they are signing up for, but it’s always good.  It’s also the most socially acceptable time to get to know their co-workers on a more personal level, since there is never any chit-chat around the water cooler when they are at work.  Discussing one’s personal life during work hours just doesn’t happen. 

Norwegian companies often have Christmas parties for their employees and families, but the Blåtur is meant just for the employees themselves. 

There are hundreds of websites advertising unique experiences for Blåtur outings.  Events might include hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, dog sledding, spelunking or going on a zipline.   It’s the kind of thing that probably won’t ever happen in America though, just from a liability standpoint alone.  Also, a common activity is taking employees to a shooting range.  I’m not sure that’s the kind of skill American employers want their employees to have.