Inside Iceland’s balanced work life — and how Silen pods found their place

When you think of Iceland, quiet is one of the first words that comes to mind — endless landscapes, few people, and plenty of space to breathe. So it feels a bit ironic that office pods are in high demand there.

To find out why, we spoke with Halldór Ingi Stefánsson, Partner and Sales Manager at Hirzlan, our reseller in Iceland. We ended up talking about much more than offices — from Iceland’s work culture and business habits to local life and the best spots to experience it all.

Turns out, behind the postcard stillness, Reykjavík hums with energy — and even Icelanders need a place to tune out once in a while.

Easygoing, yet efficient — the Icelandic way of working

Iceland may be small, but its working rhythm is anything but sleepy. Most people live in the southwest, with Reykjavík as the lively centre of it all — a city without skyscrapers or long commutes, yet full of open offices, Teams calls, and big ideas. “Most people drive only 10–15 minutes to work,” Dóri says. “There’s a little morning traffic, but nothing serious.”

After COVID, people returned to offices with higher expectations. “You need relaxed areas, quiet rooms, meeting pods,” he explains. “People want spaces that support wellbeing, not just desks in a row.”

The Icelandic work culture mirrors the country itself — friendly, straightforward, and balanced. Hierarchies are flat, everyone knows everyone, and it’s perfectly normal to call the CEO directly. “It’s very informal,” says Dóri. “Even leaders talk to everyone. It’s easy to be connected.”

And when the workday ends, it really ends. Icelanders head home, to the gym, or out into nature. “We work hard, but we value our free time,” Dóri adds.

Meet Hirzlan — Iceland’s hands-on office experts

Hirzlan has been around for over 30 years. It started as a family-owned furniture shop but was later transformed by Dóri and his partners into Iceland’s go-to for sustainable, functional office design.

Today, the company runs on a team of 12 — small but mighty. “We have a big warehouse, about 2,000 square metres, and a 600-square-metre showroom,” says Dóri. “We deliver almost everything assembled, even if it means driving five hours north for a single pod.”

In Iceland, lead time is everything. “People here don’t want to wait — they want it tomorrow,” he laughs. So Hirzlan keeps a large stock ready, making speed and service their signature. “Our three key words are service, delivery, and yes,” says Dóri. “We always say yes first and figure it out together.”

That attitude extends inside the team too. Everyone helps out, whether it’s assembling furniture or managing clients. Twice a year they throw office parties, and they make sure everyone feels valued. “We like to treat our people well — good pay, good atmosphere, good teamwork.”

A match made in quiet heaven

Hirzlan discovered Silen back in 2018 through the furniture fair circuit — and quickly saw the potential. “We got our first Silen office pods in 2019, and just a year later we delivered 36 units to Reykjavík’s power plant,” Dóri recalls. “It took off fast.”

Since then, Silen pods have found homes all over the island — from schools to public offices — and Hirzlan makes sure every one is assembled by trained staff. “We never let customers put them together themselves,” says Dóri. “We do it properly.”

With Iceland’s growing mix of government offices, tech firms, and design-savvy companies, Silen pods fit naturally. They bring structure and calm to open spaces — something that feels right at home in a country that values both function and quiet.

How to experience Iceland to the fullest

Beyond business, Iceland offers plenty of ways to slow down and take it all in. The Golden Circle is a must — a short drive from Reykjavík packed with geysers, waterfalls, and raw scenery that looks straight out of a movie. For a perfect after-work reset, Dóri recommends the Sky Lagoon, one of Iceland’s stunning geothermal spas.

But if you want to do as locals do, skip the tourist circuit and go swimming. “Every town has its own pool,” Dóri says. “Some have two or three. It’s part of our culture — everyone swims.” The pools, often outdoors and filled with natural hot water, are where Icelanders catch up, relax, and stay warm even in winter.

Summers are made for camping and hiking; winters for cosy homes, glowing Christmas lights, and snow-covered streets. “We get a lot of snow, and only about one hour of sunlight in January,” Dóri laughs. “But we make it beautiful.”

So if you ever find yourself in Iceland, drop by Hirzlan’s showroom in Reykjavík — you’ll find a warm welcome, good coffee, and a few Silen pods ready to step inside.