The UK has a well-reported productivity problem, with mediocre managers, poor communication and chronic underinvestment all hampering growth. What can Britain glean from Norway, Sweden and Denmark, all of which have more productive economies? And what lessons can be learned from Japan, the only major, developed economy that is less productive than the UK? Host Isabel Berwick speaks to FT senior business writer Andrew Hill to find out what ails Britain. Later, she chats to Leo Lewis (the FT’s Asia business editor) and Richard Milne (Nordic and Baltic bureau chief) to learn how the UK could perform better (or worse…)
Why productivity is so weak at UK companies
Sweden is navigating an international identity crisis
Lessons from Japan: High-income countries have common problems
The UK is doing a shoddy job of keeping up with the neighbours
Got a workplace dilemma you’d like Isabel and Jonathan to help you with? Submit it here: https://telbee.io/channel/ygf7_gly04xgtckcb0g56a/
Want to get in touch? Write to Isabel at isabel.berwick@ft.com
FT subscriber? Sign up to get Isabel’s free Working It newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday: ft.com/newsletters
Credits: Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.