Starfsvenjur

Starfsvenjur is an Icelandic term that refers to the customary practices, norms, and codes that guide behavior in a work setting. It encompasses how people interact, communicate, and perform tasks at work, and it shapes everyday decision making and conduct.

The word combines starf, meaning work, with venjur, meaning habits or customary ways, underscoring that these are learned patterns rather than formal rules alone. Starfsvenjur cover both unwritten norms and, where present, formal policies. Common areas include professional etiquette, communication styles, dress and presentation, punctuality, teamwork, respect for colleagues, confidentiality, safety procedures, and ethical conduct.

They emerge from organizational culture, disciplinary norms, and broader societal values, and are reinforced through onboarding, training, supervision, leadership behavior, and peer feedback. They can be codified in codes of conduct or HR policies, while many are learned implicitly on the job. The balance between explicit rules and implicit expectations helps define the day-to-day atmosphere of a workplace.

Impact and variation: Positive starfvenjur can improve cooperation, morale, trust, and safety, while negative norms may hinder inclusion, compliance, or innovation. They vary by industry, organization, and national culture, and may evolve with changes in the workforce and technology. Scholarly and professional discussions of starfvenjur commonly intersect with themes in organizational culture, professional ethics, and human resource management.

See also professional ethics, organizational culture.