A typical work day in Europe: the international INVEST podcast

Friday 03 April 2026
From Finland to Bulgaria, the series explores workplace habits, relationships and professional cultures. In the episode dedicated to Italy, Professor Silvia Mari from the University of Milano-Bicocca shares her perspective
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Ever wondered what a workday looks like across Europe? This podcast series takes you inside offices and workplaces in Finland, Slovakia, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria, revealing how people organize their day, make decisions, and even enjoy their lunch breaks.

From Finland’s flat hierarchies and coffee-fueled morning meetings, to Slovakia’s structured schedules and respect for formal titles, every episode uncovers cultural nuances that shape professional life. In Spain, expect lively team discussions and the famous late lunch tradition, while Greece brings a more relationship-driven approach to decision-making. Italy’s flair for creative problem-solving over espresso contrasts with Bulgaria’s efficient workflows and strong team bonds. Prof. Silvia Mari—leader of the task force on student and staff well-being; involved in WP3 INVEST and representative of the University of Milan-Bicocca—was interviewed for the podcast about the typical working day in Italy.
Produced by the
INVEST Alliance and co-funded by the European Union, this series offers authentic insights for students, professionals, and anyone curious about European work culture.

Hosted by Dr. Kristiina Väänänen from Karelia University of Applied Sciences, who leads the career counselling for students -entity within INVEST, the podcast blends expert commentary with local flavor. The full playlist is on Spotify.

Tune in and discover what makes a “typical” workday anything but ordinary.

► Episode 1: Finlandia

► Episode 2: Slovacchia

► Episode 3: Spagna

► Episode 4: Grecia

► Episode 5: Italia

► Episode 6: Bulgaria

a cura di Redazione Centrale, ultimo aggiornamento il 03/04/2026