Could Adopting a Danish Approach to Work Enhance Your Life?
According to the OECD Better Life Index, Denmark ranks as the top country for work-life balance among 38 nations studied in a recent survey, while the UK falls to number 34. In this Nordic nation, the average employee works a 37-hour week, with a mere 1 percent engaging in excessively long hours, compared to 10 percent in the UK. Additionally, it is a common expectation to receive six weeks of paid vacation, with laws allowing for three consecutive weeks off during the summer. Furthermore, paid leave for parents when their children are sick is standard across most Danish businesses.
As a Briton working as a freelance journalist in Denmark, I have had the opportunity to observe and experience this system firsthand. The availability of state-subsidized childcare enables both parents to work full-time, synchronizing school hours with work hours, resulting in quiet offices after 3 PM on Fridays.
My youngest child, who is 10 years old, attends an after-school club at her school, which costs approximately £50 per month. This club is attended by all the children in her class. School typically ends early, often around 1:30 PM, making the after-school club essential for families like ours, where both parents are employed full-time. One of the advantages of living in Denmark is the high level of safety, allowing children to walk or cycle to school independently, sometimes as young as six years old. This independence significantly reduces the burden on parents, allowing us to live car-free in the city, which we genuinely appreciate.
Interestingly, the concept of work being a source of personal fulfillment is not often discussed in Denmark. It seems that many people do not view work as a primary means of self-identity; instead, they find fulfillment through family and hobbies. While this does not imply that individuals in Denmark do not find satisfaction in their jobs, the expectation that work should define one’s identity is notably less prevalent. However, there is one aspect where the UK excels.
I miss the tradition of tea rounds; in Danish workplaces, it is customary to prepare coffee for oneself, which can make it more challenging to bond with colleagues, as efficiency often takes precedence over casual conversation. The focus is on achieving a balanced life, with ample time for hobbies and family. If you come with the ambition to strive for something beyond this norm, you may find yourself navigating that path alone. Yet, this system works exceptionally well for those who prioritize balance over ambition.
What lessons can we draw from Denmark? I reached out to Danish workers to gather their insights.
‘Presenteeism Does Not Really Exist Here’
Kate Poulsson Johnson, 47, Creative Lead
Working hours: 37
Kate, originally from the UK and residing in Denmark for nine years, has observed significant differences between the work cultures of Denmark and the UK. “Danes know how to work smart; their time is invaluable. Their lives outside work hold great significance. They skip the small talk at the beginning of meetings, opting to save time so they can leave earlier, often enjoying lunch at their desks with colleagues. Presenteeism, where employees feel pressured to remain in the office longer, is virtually non-existent here. In the UK, if I left at 6 PM, I could feel the judgment from colleagues, but in Denmark, I rarely receive emails after 4 PM,” she explains.
Kate highlights that the system and infrastructure play a crucial role in supporting work-life balance. “Copenhagen is a compact, clean, and safe city where cycling is the norm, and the public transport system is efficient. When I mention that childcare in the UK can cost £50 per child per day, Danes are often shocked.”
‘We’re Sharp with Clocking Off – and Don’t Contact People After 5 PM’
Arina Fedosiuk, 26, Digital Designer, Copenhagen
Working hours: around 35
Originally from Lithuania, Arina works three days a week for a brand in Copenhagen and freelances for the remaining two. “I find Denmark to be remarkably progressive when it comes to work-life balance,” she states. “As an immigrant, I’m impressed by how strictly people adhere to their working hours. After 5 PM, it’s understood that you don’t reach out to colleagues; everyone respects their personal time. In my experience, work does not dominate daily life; it’s not the focal point of one’s existence.”
For Arina, the biggest advantage is the vibrant life outside of work. “I have a fulfilling life beyond my job; I run a book club, love reading, and prioritize time for these activities. I work to live, not live to work.” She also appreciates the robust safety net provided by Denmark’s A-kasse (unemployment insurance fund), which offers unemployment pay if one leaves their job or is terminated. “I once faced burnout at a previous job, and when I quit, I received dagpenge, which is the Danish unemployment benefit I contribute to quarterly. Although it’s about 25 percent less than my last salary after two months, it provides a sense of security during transitions.”
‘Parents Have Work Hours That Fit with the Schedule of Their Kids’
Peter Maag, 35, Sustainability Coordinator, Copenhagen
Working hours: 35
Peter navigates the balance between two cultures while working in the satellite office of an Irish organization in Copenhagen. He works two days in the office and three days from home, all while raising two young children. “I genuinely believe Danish work-life balance is the best,” he asserts. “It’s an integrated system where school hours align with parents’ work hours, reducing stress for families.”
Peter describes his core working hours as 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM, which are dictated by the head office in Ireland. “These hours don’t quite align with Denmark’s school schedule, as my child’s creche closes at 4:15 PM. I typically arrive at the office by 8 AM because the culture here encourages completing work early to enjoy life afterward.”
‘We Are Trained to Spot Stress and Burnout Before It Gets Too Serious’
Allan Laursen, 58, Director of Operations, Horsens
Working hours: 50+
Allan often works extended hours, checking emails before arriving at the office and staying late to finish projects once other employees have left. It is common in Denmark for senior leaders and business partners to work significantly longer hours than junior or middle management, especially after their children have grown up. “My average work week consists of 50 hours, but that’s only when I’m physically in the office. I enjoy my work and do not feel stressed by it; I find it relatively easy to switch off,” he shares.
Allan’s company has a progressive approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of having trained stress ambassadors within the workforce. “These ambassadors can identify colleagues at risk of burnout, enabling us to connect them with support before they reach a critical point. Often, stress is not solely work-related; it may stem from family or other personal issues.”
‘I Work 8:15 AM – 3:45 PM. A 37-Hour-a-Week Job Lets Me Be a Good Parent’
Caroline Lorentzen Brose, 40, Head of HR, Copenhagen
Working hours: 37
Caroline, a mother of two school-aged children, typically works from 8:15 AM to 3:45 PM, spending four days in the office and one day working from home. “I think Denmark has truly got this right,” she says. “A 37-hour workweek allows me to be an engaged parent while still maintaining a fulfilling career.”
Although remote work has become more common since the pandemic, only around 11 percent of Danish employees frequently work from home, compared to 41 percent in the UK. “I used to work full-time in the office, but now I enjoy having one day at home for flexibility, whether it’s for dental appointments or home repairs. While being in the office full-time has its benefits for team cohesion, I see the value in a hybrid approach,” she explains.
Despite the advantages of the Danish work culture, burnout remains a concern. “Expectations, particularly for women, have intensified. There is a societal belief that it’s feasible to be the ideal wife, mother, and employee, all while balancing an exciting social life,” she notes. “This reflects a well-functioning society where such aspirations exist.”
