What is Denmark’s secret to a happy work-life balance?

Gabriel Haus repeats one word seven times when he discusses what it’s like to work in Denmark – “trust”.

“No one is trying to micromanage you or look over your shoulder,” says Mr. Hosz, who works for a tech firm in Copenhagen. “The bosses aren’t coming to check whether you put in eight or nine hours a day, because they basically only care if you’ve completed your projects.

“There’s a lot of trust in Denmark that way, and I don’t feel hierarchical in my work. It’s all very democratic.”

It’s no surprise to Mr Hoss, a married father of two young daughters, that Denmark consistently ranks in the top five countries in the world for work-life balance. Classification

According to , only 1.1 percent of Danes work 50 or more hours a week. Latest global data From the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This ratio is significantly lower than the global average of 10.2%.

In contrast, the figures for the UK is 10.8% And the US is 10.4 percent.

Meik Wiking, author of The Art of Danish Living, has long seen his home country as a shining example of what other countries should aspire to emulate in their workplace policies.

“The Danes are actually happy at work,” he tells the BBC. “About 60% of Danes say they would continue working if they won the lottery and became financially independent.”

Mr. Wiking, who is also the boss of the Danish think tank The Happiness Research Institute, shares several policies that help create a strong work-life balance in Denmark.

These include the right to at least five weeks of paid vacation, in addition to public holidays. Most workers in the UK are entitled. Up to 5.6 weeks of paid leave, But in the US it can be just as rare. Only 11 days.

Denmark also offers a very generous six-month repayment period. Maternity and maternity leave. In the UK the father, or non-birth partner, usually meets. One to two weeks of paid leave.

In the US there is only a federal guarantee. unpaid parental leave, Although some states, such as California, now offer maternity leave.

Mr. Wiking is another dean who refers to the concept of employers trusting their employees to do the right thing. He uses the example of staff at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens amusement park, where they follow the three-metre rule.

The idea is that you are the CEO of everything within a three meter radius. “If you see trash within three meters of you, you pick it up, and if you see a visitor looking for something, you stop and ask them if you can help, ” says Mr. Wicking.

He adds that when staff take ownership of their space, it can help them feel empowered and appreciated, which goes a long way to contributing to healthy feelings about their workplace. Determines.

Denmark is definitely not “a work culture where you have to be available all day, all evening to show that you’re working hard all the time,” says Janine Leschke, professor in the Department of Management, Society and Communication at Copenhagen Business School. “

Instead, she says flexibility during the workday gives employees the time they need to pick up their children from school or daycare. “The day doesn’t have to formally end at five or six, and that appeals to many Danes with children.”

Mr Hoses has seen how some employers in the US can expect their staff to be available on weekends, to answer the odd email or message. This type of overtime is inconsistent with his approach to a positive work-life balance.

“If I was expected to be on call on the weekend, that would be a huge red flag for me, and I would probably change jobs,” he says. “But so far it hasn’t happened to me or anyone I know.”

Casper Rouchmann, Copenhagen-based CEO and founder of tech firm SparkForce, says his laid-back leadership policy will be familiar to most Danes. “You don’t have to ask me to leave early,” he says. “No one takes advantage of my kindness.”

Mr Rochman added that the element of trust is so ingrained in Danish culture that visitors to Denmark often wonder how far it can go. He also highlighted Denmark’s generous welfare state and the fact that firms have to provide financial support. compensation Staff who are made redundant.

“If you lose your job, the government is there to help,” Mr Rochman added.

While other countries can learn from Denmark’s work-life balance, he says it has some downsides. “Some people can rely too much on that safety net, and it can tell them that they don’t need to take real risks, which is why we can be less entrepreneurial than the United States.”

Samantha Saxby, an American human resources expert, says Denmark has such a good work-life balance because the country “prioritises collective well-being”.

In contrast, she says America has long emphasized individual achievement and ambition, which has led to great innovation, but often at the expense of work-life balance.

Yet Miss Saxby, who is director of marketing for the US National Human Resources Association, says companies in the US and around the world are finally following the lead of Denmark and other equally happy Nordic nations.

“Progressive organizations are introducing benefits like unlimited paid time off, mental health days, and wellness programs to encourage employees to prioritize self-care,” she says. “These measures not only reduce stress, but also demonstrate that employers value the overall well-being of their workforce.

“More companies are recognizing that well-rested and well-balanced employees bring fresh ideas, better problem-solving skills, and greater engagement. Employees can take the time they need without sacrificing their career development. So they are starting to feel empowered.”