Unlike British people, who can be relied upon for starting up small talk in any situation. The Finnish are reportedly trying to combat their aversion to casual conversation. They have decided to teach the art of small talk with some Schools in Finland including it on their curriculum and tutors offering courses to increase readiness for making small talk at work.
A tutor called Karla Nieminen advised practicing asking questions you already know the answers to is the simple way in creating small talk amongst your fellow workers.
Maybe we need to consider that not all British people are comfortable or able to start idle chit-chat with a stranger. Some British people struggle with social cues and what to say for fear of looking foolish or strange. Perhaps we should be offering courses that will aid the future generation in preparing them for situations that are not taught or discussed at School, College or University.