Working with Danes

Danish workplace culture embraces a flat structure, working in teams, work-life balance, acting proactive and an informal tone of communication.

Flat structure
The concept of equality is deeply rooted in the Danish culture. Danes prefer to smooth out the differences and not show status or position in a very direct way. Most Danish organizations have a very flat structure, often with a lot of interaction between leaders and employees. A classical Danish leader has a democratic and coach like leadership style, and the employees get plenty of responsibility.

Teamwork
Teamwork is key and everybody is expected to collaborate with ideas and opinions. Danish companies are looking for people who can take the initiative and solve problems without being told what to do every step of the way. Danes are focused on finding a solution as quickly as possible, getting straight to the point and not wasting time with too much “chitchat”. Many find the very direct Danish approach quite impolite, superficial and maybe a little cold. Danish employees ask a lot of questions, including critical ones. They see this approach as “being constructive” and understand that critique, disagreement and discussion are necessary in the workplace. Remember to speak up and try to see the criticism as something strictly professional and not as a personal attack.

Work-Life Balance
Denmark strikes a good work-life balance, prioritising career and ambition on the one hand, and life (health, pleasure, leisure, and family) on the other. A standard workweek consists of 37 hours of work from Monday to Friday. Some workplaces are more relaxed giving you the independence to manage working hours and flexibility to work from home. Even with teamwork in place, you have to be proactive. Do not wait for others to take care of a problem at work. Show initiative to solve a problem, even for the small tasks. It’s about getting the job done, so you can go home to your family. There is a clear distinction between professional life and private life, and that’s something you’ll notice for sure when working with Danes.

Informal tone of communications
Initially introduce yourself with your full name. Afterward, it is acceptable to use first names.Title and status are not overly important in your everyday work life. Remember, be humble.

Interesting links:

https://www.howtoliveindenmark.com/danish-business-culture/looking-for-jobs-in-denmark-danish-job-market/

https://www.howtoliveindenmark.com/stories-about-life-in-denmark/networking-in-denmark/