When I told my boss my wife and I was getting a devoice, he's first comment was "do you want a few days off?". Then we went into a 2 hour conversation about how we could get my work and private life to function (where I would live, kids in school/daycare...). He offered me anything that would make my life function.. Fewer hours, more work from home (this was before corona). If I needed it, I could get it. And I had only worked there a year, so I was in no way an "important" employee. He even checked up on me a few times a month, to hear how I was doing, had I found a new place to live and so on.
In most companies in Denmark nobody cares how you dress or how you look. They care about what you do for the company. You are still judged, but it is all about what you do for the company. The hours you work do not really matter, and giving permission to leave work early is seen by management as a way to hold on to good employees. In Denmark there is a lot of attention to employees also having a good life when they are not at work. Employers know this will make their employees a lot more effective at work. When I began working for hire after being self-employed for a decade this came as a bit of a surprise for me. It was nice to be told that I could take time off whenever I wanted, as long as it did not interfere with my work. But what shocked me most was when I after almost a year was called in to a serious conversation about my work with management. I worried a bit about this meeting because I did not know what it was about, but what I was told was basically: "We see you are not having all of the five weeks of vacation per year you are supposed to have. You have to fix this. And please also use this extra week of paid leave we are providing to all employees per year. If it is OK with you, please schedule at least a week of vacation starting next week."
It is the same in Norway and Sweden. As the saying goes "We work to be able to live, not live to work". And despite the "relax" attitude, we are doing well in the competition with other countries.
If you are happy at work, then you are more productive. + it makes sense to make the workplace a space for people to wanna get to instead of thinking - "its only 8 hours, i'll bite the sour apple" for most workdays :)
After 22 years of profession life in Denmark (20 as a manager), I moved abroad. I took my Danish work values with me, and my German, French, American, Chinese, Indian etc. employees really have to adjust to my style. As a company, we had an employee engagement survey which resulted in overall poor results in worklife balance. I sat my team down wanting to know how we could do better. They were quiet until one of them said “It has nothing to do with you. You are a kind boss”. What a sign of appreciation when I know that they are overworked and have to make tough decisions all the time. The trust I place in them comes back as loyalty and satisfaction.
This is off the topic, but I will be visiting Denmark in a month. I love all things ship related. Aside from the Viking Ship museum in Roskilde, do you recommend any other "must see" places related to ships/the navy in Denmark. Thank you.
I’m glad you have gotten to experience that very Scandinavian work environment. The US has it all backwards. People are happier and more productive when they are treated well. It’s rare here in NY to actually enjoy going to work.
Its actually very simple, a happy worker do better than an unhappy, and u are also more willing to take ekstra time if it’s needed. It’s a give and take situation.
Creating a relaxed and safe work environment is more often than not a fantastic idea for your company. When employees feel like they matter, when you enjoy going to work every day and when you genuinely like your coworkers and your boss, you're much more likely to perform at a consistently high level. So even though some people might see it as inefficient or even wasteful to run your business like this, it's anything but. Danish companies are usually very competitive and innovative on a global scale.
I'll add something to that. Your Boss is also a human that knows about family things that can happen. if your base (home) is working you are more focused while you at work, and it reduces blunders, and blunders can be quite expensive no matter if you are a blue collar worker or a office guy. And if you are happy at your work you are less likely to start looking for another job. And it is expensive to replace an employee and even worse do you leave for a competitor and bringing your knowledge with you. 1. You loose experience, both work experience (how many years you have done the job), and how long time you have been at the Company, each Company does things differently. 2. You need someone new, the new guy, does he have your work ethics (be on time, etc.), does he "click" with his co-workers, or does the chemistry not work. etc. And it takes time to get people interviewed for the job.
There are a lot of different things here. Casualness, not stressing, equality, respect, caring for each other as persons. I think it is all connected to trust. Being trustworthy and trusting others is perhaps_the_ Scandinavian core value. Everything else is connected to that. Anyhow, congratulations south the job.
Trust is definitely a thing that impacts on everything. At work people here are trusted to do their best, to think on their feet and be able to make decisions and essentially only involve the boss if there is an issue or need for guidance. And most time if one needs the boss it will be in the form of exchange of views and ideas, not a thing where the boss dictates and doing it like that not only means employees feel valued it also make for better decisions since bosses don't know everything. On average Danes work just about the least number of hours in a year, but productivity is as good as anywhere and I think it is partly due to overall good education and partly due to the trust thing. Like people don't spend a significant part of their work time to get approval from their boss, the approval is a given unless there is something big then consulting or an "OK" is of course needed.
I am Icelandic, and almost 80 ears ago we were Danish subjects (like Greenland and the Faeroese still are). Our ties to Denmark is REALLY close (Danish was my second language, English is a distant third). We also embrace this Nordic Work/Life balance that is so important in the Nordic countries. We work to live, we do not live to work. Our personal life matters just as much as our jobs, and fortunately most Nordic companies embrace that principle. You, coming from the US, appear to embrace that culture as well - a happy employee is a good employee!
This is why Denmark is 'happier' than your average country😄 I'm a Brit living in Denmark for 32 years now. Been a math and English teacher for 20 years. Love Denmark
About fredags brød, around 2000 I was a supervisor in a middle danish company, one Friday my boss the operation manager and I got some very hard words from the company owner, 10 minutes and then he said "oww it's Friday bread time let's go" and all was forgotten, best ever "skide balle" I have ever got
In big companies in Denmark you can often see the CEO or other high ranked bosses eating in the cantine with the janitor or a shop assistent and talking togeather about whatever...
Congratulations Kelly!! 👍👏👍👏🇺🇲🇩🇰🇺🇲🇩🇰 Hope you enjoy your new carreer and excel! Thanks so much for a refreshing take on our work culture! To hear how you enjoy going to work and have embraced it makes me as a Dane proud.
Exactly this! I've been a part of a few startups in Denmark. It never ceases to surprise me at how relaxed everyone is regarding, dress code, task pressure, to flexible work hours, options for remote vs commute everything. At first I thought it must be a small business attitude but now it seems must be just how it is here. Do you think "the great resignation" hasn't had such a big impact here in part due to the casual work culture? EDIT: Maybe I've been putting too much pressure on myself lately. It sometimes overwhelms the gratitude I also feel to be able to work here and with something I'm at least middlingly good at.
Hard to say, but start-up companies are much more laid back that any other. It was a much different environment in my internship (startup) compared to where I am now (larger, international /but mostly Danes around me company). I appreciate that they take off the pressure. ;)
Hi, thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us. I’m from Panama living in the USA with a Danish husband and kids. I was lucky enough to experience the Danish work culture in the USA, working for a Danish Corporation and it was mind blowing. As you said we are so used to feeling guilty when we need time off and being judge by the time we spent working at the office. That Danish company treated all of us like human beings, which made me realize that unfortunately the work culture in most places not only the USA but the whole Americas is focused on the wrong things. However, a lot of companies now on this part of world are making positive changes, mostly because of the pandemic, towards a more balance life for their employees. Have a great week
I work in Denmark too, it’s retail and my first job, I’ve been there for a little less than a year and a half. We work two at a time in the store during my shifts (evenings, and mornings during weekends) and there is always a mutual respect. We back each other up and know our mental health is more important than a customer. And with that I mean we don’t let them get to us too much and we talk a little about it if both of us are there to experience it. For example, pretty early on in my employment it was an evening shift and this woman was being pretty nasty about the price of a product or whatever. I ask for help from my coworker because I don’t know how to do this particular thing. After the customer left, my coworker went “yeah, she was just a bitch. Don’t let her get to you” (I’m paraphrasing, don’t remember the exact words). That customer was the closet I’ve ever met to a Karen, and she didn’t even ask for the manager. Even though the bad ones stand out, you also start to notice those who *see* you. And with that I mean the vast majority who see you as an individual and not just a machine, and appreciate your help and your friendliness. I think most Danes just naturally have that respect drilled into their brains. Also, it’s fun having a casual relationship with the store manager and the two other managers. They’re all so nice and the whole team bonded recently because we went bowling and drinking.
Tillykke med dit nye job! Generelt betragter vi vores kollegaer som vores anden familie her i Danmark, og der tages mange steder ekstra godt imod de nye medarbejdere, så de hurtigt kommer til at føle hjemme på deres arbejdsplads. Gode arbejdspladser skaber gode medarbejdere som trives og som herved kan arbejde frigjort og herved mere effektivt. Gode arbejdspladser er også et steder vi ønsker at blive på hvilket er sundt for arbejdspladsen da indkøring af nye medarbejdere altid giver et lille dyk i den samlede effektivitet. Der er en lang liste af gode grunde til at få et sundt arbejdsmiljø. Det glæder mig meget du har fået et job med en masse danskere, da det med stor sandsynlighed vil have indflydelse på dit sprog og så er der jo også den sociale bonus, gode kollegaer kan udvide din sociale omgangskreds. ;)
When I Got my first job, I wrote ‘picking up kids’ in my work calendar, and that was 50% of the days. I kept on doing that for more than 25 years(15 years between my oldest and my youngest ), and after a short break I now have a day a week where I leave after lunch to pick up my grandkids - also in the calendar
Ausgezeichnet! I really like what you have discovered and what you enjoy in the Danish workplace and how they treat their employees. I'm in Sweden working for a Danish company and we have a lot of similarities. Some differences, I admit, but in general very much alike.
As a Dane that have worked for English and American companies it seems bosses find it difficult that they we don't grovel and do not sugarcoat stuff and speak our mind when we disagree with them. They seem to think I am being rude.
That sounds really amazing. Here in the US, we get fired so easily. I, now, live outside of LA (Los Angeles) , but its stressful. I've always wanted to live in dk, but now I'm 55 and do not have the college education.. haha but, I envy the people who are able to live and work there.
When I started working I had kids in kindergarden, and the days I had to pick the kids it was i my work calender. It still is - once a week - to pick up grandchildren
Re 2: Danish blue-collar worker. At my previous job (this is some years back) one of my coworkers went on maturnity leave. They brought in a a substitute. When my coworker came back from leave, they were so impressed with the substitute they offered her a permanent position in my department (another coworker announced his retirement a few months prior, they bounced her around for 2-3 months until the right date, no big deal). One of the best woworkers (the substitute ;) ) I've ever had, and a close friend to this day. When she (the substitute cum coworker) went on maturnity leave herself, the cycle repeated. The substitute was moved into a permanent position after her return. Sadly I have no contact with 'that' substitute after her leaving. I love this system. Some of my best colleagues have come from maturnity-leave-substitutes, yet I've always treasured when the maturnity-leavee came back because of having a highly experienced and qualified coworker back, a close friend with me at work again and no less them bringing their adorable children to work. What's the drawback? Yes, the employor have to pay for 2 during the leave, but: 1) the government reimburse most of their expense and 2) (and this is often overlooked) maturnity leave rights are often a part of overenskomst-negotiations between unions and employor-associations. Unions waive part of wage increase in exchange for maturnity leave. All are happy. ... until employers start to whine... But coming back to yout question; absolutely nothing against coworkers who go on maturnity leave, have to leave early or having to take a barns-første-sygedag (kids first day of sickness?). That's all part of our overenskomst! It's what we collectively bargained for. Use those rights whenever they apply. I plan on using all my senior-days when I start accumulatoing next year. :) Re 4: Over the years I've had to train a few coworkers to be able to fill in for me (had an extremly critical, but not particularly complicated function) during holidays and sickness. Most of the time my boss would pick the fill-in and always told me to take whatever time I'd need to train them. He'd even take over part of my function during it. All he asked was that after training the substitute could fill in at any notice, without any delay. There were never any rush, just to be thorough. Re 5: We had friday beer. At lunch every friday you could buy one (1) pilsner at the canteen. This was discontinued several years back for 'not being with the times.' It was nice to be able celebrate weekend with your coworkers, but apparently allowing employees to relax with colleagues during lunch is 'not responsible'. :(
Thanks for the great video Kelly. :) I have worked for several different large US companies with sites in Canada. For the most part, I found that many jobs with these companies have a heavy workload. Working overtime is often expected (or required due to workload), and in many cases it is unpaid. In a couple of US based companies that I worked for, a doctor's note was required before returning to work to verify illness. With one well known US multinational that I worked for I found that nepotism was rampant, and cliques were well established. This resulted in favoritism in promotions, work allocation and bonuses to 'members of the club'. I also worked for the government for about 2 years in various jobs, and found the environment, workload and culture to be one of care and respect. This was a stark contrast to my general experiences working for the US multi nationals. Cheers!
Boss/employee relationship is very important. I work in a middling sized company and I'm the lowest paid and least educated person in the entire company, with regards to what we do, in any case. And I often have conversations about random stuff with the CEO and the co-owner of the company. My nearest boss let's me do whatever I want as long as I get the job done on time, and he's a friendly guy to boot.
As HR person, I just want to say, most companies still look at numbers, sick days etc. But it sounds like the states mainly see it as a worker issue, where we here see some of it as a workplace problem. Plus there is no money in having workers shift around a lot. Its best to keep ppl. Its about knowledge and routines and culture. Best of luck in your new job.
Regarding clothing: I think it started in the late 60'es. The hippie style affected some teachers too. I remember (no hippie) a teacher that always was dressed in white from head to toe. He said it was because the white chalk that was used to write on the blackboard. He didn't want it to soil his clothes.
A friend of mine worked for a US company. The first week he noticed that all men wore dark suits, white shirts and ties, so he asked a colleague if they always dressed like that, and the colleague told that they did except on Fridays, which were called "caual Friday". So Friday he dresssed in jeans and a T-shirt, only to discover that everybody else, was dressed as any other day, except that they left out the ties. 🤠
Congrats on the new job, I've changed job quite a few times, and the first day you go home and say to yourself, TODAY I EARNED MY MONEY is a great sensation, but it usually takes some time to get to that day.
Friday bread - ever seen "Den skaldede frisør" where the manager played by Pierce Brosnan has very frustrated comments about the Danes always eating cake 🤭🎂🍰🍩🍦🥧
A week is 168 hours, We spend 38 hours at work + transport, We get up even when it is dark and the bed is warm, we get out in a cold car and drive in heavy traffic back and forth. The hours we spend on it must not be sour hours...So I am glad that you feel you are not just in a hamster wheel. where you have to run 10,000 laps and then home. and the next day 10,000 new rounds await..
If you have a manager that shows care and enables you to grow, the results would probably be better than if you have a manager that is result-driven. Because if you like your job, you are more likely to hang around longer and the company saves money not having to train new people every so often. Also, I think if you are happy at work you produce a better result than if you are unhappy. That's my point of view anyways.
One thing I always hear from my non-Danish colleagues is how crazy it is the way we joke and poke fun at each other - even at the boss. Apparently that's unthinkable in a lot of other countries. Also how independent we are - we don't just mindlessly do whatever upper management says no matter if it makes sense or not.
Every census made on the subject tells the same thing: workers that are content/happy about their workplace, are also more productive. Treating your workforce poorly isn't only inhuman; it's idiotic and counterproductive to the goals you are trying to achieve with your company.
Totally agreed. Also, having a lot of firering and hiring disrupts workflow and the "balance" of the teams. And it's an expensive process each time to seek new employees, interview, evaluate, hire and integrate them in the team.
I works wonders for you, Kelly! Has you family back in the US commmented on any changes? I think you look more relaxed, more free, and "ligther", than in your first videos - at least I think so. What do the other Kelly-fans think?
I haven't seen my US family in over 2 years. I guess, I can ask them when I see them. Thanks. I think a break form TH-cam might have also helped with that too! LOL :)
Hej Kelly, I pretty much agree with all your 5 items having worked in Denmark for the last 20+ years now, coming originally from Central Europe. Even there the business culture is very different. I would personally add 2 more, very important items to your list, being office environment (highest standards for equipment and often own, free-of-charge canteen) and last but not least low hirachy, open-door attitudes with direct access to superiors even 2 or more levels higher than you. Let me know what you think.
Hi ! I Think the Danish manage style differs from what i have seen abroad. As a manager You selden give orders, You sell ideas and are willing to listen to counter arguments. This Way is Working fine in Denmark, but using this manegement style in other countries is not always understood nor respected. This is my humble experiance from working 16y in a danish international Company.I’ve also learned, how different countries Think Theis style is the best. From a us boss i’ve heard this: the german style is vers detailed, but take ages. When they finally come to a desission, the world has moved. The us way is built on flexabillity, and the danish way is a litte bit of each. Maybe it boils down to, what we are familiar with, we like the most.
Kelly. It makes no sense to (most) Danes, to have a "S...y" job😌 . Life's to short! The happier we are, the more productive we are. So happy workforce, happy company (makes more, or saves more money😉). It's expensive training new employees, especially if there well educated, experienced and good at there job. Yeah. You can always hire a new ”Kelly”, but why would you, if you already have the best one for the job 😊!? Congrats on your new job 👍😊👍!! So so Happy for you 👍! Shared your post on my FB site..., so there 😜 !! PS: Remember to vote on Tuesday! Danish or not, it's your right and civil duty 👍 😁👍 !
Thanks so much for all of your kind words. :) Sorry to be getting back to you late. The boys have been sick, and now it is my turn to fight off the germs! :(
Same experience, but not everything is good. I would never share anything with my boss because I had some bad experiences and usually I keep people at arms length. There is to many backstabbers and I would never let my boss, person of leadership or anyone at the job have access my socialmedia, they are blocked 🤷 I am Danish.. Have a nice weekend 👍
I like how your kids love rugbroed, they are 100% danish now 💥🎶😂👍🇩🇰. Thats why the don’t understand American things so much anymore. They just can’t personal relate to anything american. Because they are danish🇩🇰💥😍. Love your videos, keep them comming 😊
I'm danish buy my dad he was home sick because of stress btw he is a trucker who comes home everyday and only drives in Denmark but after a serten amount of time he got fired cuz he wasn't working so i think what u say about it's more about the people it's depends on what job
I'm an Arbejdsmiljørepræsentant at my work. I love to secure a great environment for my fellow colleagues. Is an Arbejdsmiljørepræsentant a thing in USA?
@@MyNewDanishLife If a workplace has more than 10 employees, then one of the employees ought to be an Arbejdsmiljørepræsentant. As an arbejdsmiljørepræsentant you have to secure the work environment. The arbejdsmiljørepræsentant is elected by the colleagues. I hope this description is adequate. Maybe your husband can describe it🤔 If your workplace has more than 10 employees, then they'll have one too😁
I, as being a Dane living in Denmark, do have a different experience at some of the points. I work with software development, and here there is not much patience with newcomers; the expectation is that they are at almost full speed from day one. Work speed is high-paced, and I have seen colleagues get nervous breakdowns, some ending up on extended sick leave and eventually getting fired to be replaced with new people. And to get time off for something is often nigh on impossible. Something I usually do when getting a new job is to negotiate how I get time off for my half years check-up with the dentist, often it costs a vacation day to do so, each time. The Friday "entertainment" varies a lot from workplace to workplace. One of the more special I have experienced was each Friday the boss placed the pile of job applications received during the week, and then he did go through them and read aloud passages of what they had written. Especially passages about how genius his business idea was, how fantastic he was, how they really wanted to work for him in his fantastic work environment, was what he was going for.
Det lyder godt nok som om at du arbejder for et lortefirma. Livet er for kort til dårlige jobs. Ingen takker dig for at du ofrer dig for firmaet du arbejder for.
I also work with software development, and my experience in the workplace is almost the complete opposite. I have a lot of experience in this field, and know that a single really good developer can be as productive as a dozen of other developers. And he can significantly increase the productivity of other developers. Often management will therefore give him a manager role he is not really interested in. And then he will soon leave to another company where he is allowed to do the software development he is really interested in. Sounds like your boss has too big an ego. He will not be able to attract and keep good developers here in Denmark without a good workplace environment, and that will likely lead to the failure of his company. You might want to look for a new job. Good software developers are hard to find, and the successful employers know they need to maintain a good work environment to keep them.
@@julianneheindorf5757 Det er den gennemsnitlige oplevelse jeg har haft gennem nu temmelig mange ansættelser. Dog den med fredags underholdningen er fra en specifik ansættelse, som jeg til sidst sagde op fra, da jeg begyndte at få symptomer på stress. Det vakte en del forargelse: Hvor vovede jeg at sige op uden at have et andet job klar til at skifte til?!
@@jamesabber7891 It is my average experience from the employments I have had over the years. Except for the Friday one, there I ended quitting my job. It took me a little over a half year before I found employment again. He is known to be one of the worse bosses to work for, and I know others who have quit from him. He does not care, he just picks from the pile of job applications and thus gets the position filled quickly again. I was employee #6 in the early days of the company, since then it has grown to become a quite large company.
I would SO much hear what the foundational difference between the US and a country like DK is, in your opinion. Americans always say: "Well you can't compare a country of 330 mio with one of 5.6 mio.' Or you can't compare a country with a multitude of ethnicities with a country of just white people." DK has not only white people. We've for years tried to pressure immigrants to come integrated, which some of them perceive as racism (I read that online too). Compare that to the pc Sweden. Anyway, what do you think?
I am going to make a video about Foreigners in Denmark and what I think they are doing to the country! ;) I have wanted to make it for a long time, but just haven't had the time.
We have a lot of problems in DK. Lack of teachers, lack of nurses, lack of social workers (socialrådgivere), too many young people not getting a proper education, too high a old/young people ratio etc. But since I'm a USA nerd I have to say I'm really worried about what will happen to (small 'd') democracy during the next 10 years. If the US becomes a dumpster fire, China and Russia will change the world - to the worse. Just yesterday I saw an American calling the EU "come on girl!". Quite appropriate.
Oh, there are many Americans who do understand! I supervise clerical staff in a police station and I am FLEXIBLE and relaxed in comfort and personal life needs. The results are a happy, highly productive staff! They even have a room to take a nap (if they need or want). Other stations started doing the same in my California county. 👍
I think, both our education and worklife , is different. We have SU , and free school, we don't use scholarships or funds, to attend the university. Judging by your arms, maybe You were good at swim class, but do not need to , in Denmark. We do( mostly) not have a corporate culture, with bonus salary's , or cut throat competition with colleagues, because of union and a believe in equality and team work.
Thx😊 but still a little visible . A sign of competiveness, which, I think, Is not that common , in the Danish work force. We are maybe more relaxed, as long as the job is done in time.
The United Kingdom compares distinctly unfavourably to Denmark - outmoded hierarchical organisational structure, Presenteeism, or sickness presence, (showing up for work without being productive) and general lack of trust between employees and employer and vice versa typically generates a less focused and less innovative work environment in the UK.
When I told my boss my wife and I was getting a devoice, he's first comment was "do you want a few days off?".
Then we went into a 2 hour conversation about how we could get my work and private life to function (where I would live, kids in school/daycare...). He offered me anything that would make my life function.. Fewer hours, more work from home (this was before corona). If I needed it, I could get it.
And I had only worked there a year, so I was in no way an "important" employee.
He even checked up on me a few times a month, to hear how I was doing, had I found a new place to live and so on.
In most companies in Denmark nobody cares how you dress or how you look. They care about what you do for the company. You are still judged, but it is all about what you do for the company. The hours you work do not really matter, and giving permission to leave work early is seen by management as a way to hold on to good employees.
In Denmark there is a lot of attention to employees also having a good life when they are not at work. Employers know this will make their employees a lot more effective at work.
When I began working for hire after being self-employed for a decade this came as a bit of a surprise for me. It was nice to be told that I could take time off whenever I wanted, as long as it did not interfere with my work.
But what shocked me most was when I after almost a year was called in to a serious conversation about my work with management. I worried a bit about this meeting because I did not know what it was about, but what I was told was basically: "We see you are not having all of the five weeks of vacation per year you are supposed to have. You have to fix this. And please also use this extra week of paid leave we are providing to all employees per year. If it is OK with you, please schedule at least a week of vacation starting next week."
I have those conversations every year. And now I even have 5 extra Senior days to work into my schedule.
It is the same in Norway and Sweden. As the saying goes "We work to be able to live, not live to work". And despite the "relax" attitude, we are doing well in the competition with other countries.
If you are happy at work, then you are more productive. + it makes sense to make the workplace a space for people to wanna get to instead of thinking - "its only 8 hours, i'll bite the sour apple" for most workdays :)
❤
I am a teacher in the USA. i am just starting to apply for jobs in Denmark. I am really enjoying your channel.
Thanks. Good luck on your search.
After 22 years of profession life in Denmark (20 as a manager), I moved abroad. I took my Danish work values with me, and my German, French, American, Chinese, Indian etc. employees really have to adjust to my style.
As a company, we had an employee engagement survey which resulted in overall poor results in worklife balance. I sat my team down wanting to know how we could do better. They were quiet until one of them said “It has nothing to do with you. You are a kind boss”. What a sign of appreciation when I know that they are overworked and have to make tough decisions all the time.
The trust I place in them comes back as loyalty and satisfaction.
I say this as a Danish Navy officer. We not only expect but we demand that people speak up if they think we are doing something stupid
This is off the topic, but I will be visiting Denmark in a month. I love all things ship related. Aside from the Viking Ship museum in Roskilde, do you recommend any other "must see" places related to ships/the navy in Denmark. Thank you.
I’m glad you have gotten to experience that very Scandinavian work environment. The US has it all backwards. People are happier and more productive when they are treated well. It’s rare here in NY to actually enjoy going to work.
Its actually very simple, a happy worker do better than an unhappy, and u are also more willing to take ekstra time if it’s needed. It’s a give and take situation.
Creating a relaxed and safe work environment is more often than not a fantastic idea for your company. When employees feel like they matter, when you enjoy going to work every day and when you genuinely like your coworkers and your boss, you're much more likely to perform at a consistently high level. So even though some people might see it as inefficient or even wasteful to run your business like this, it's anything but. Danish companies are usually very competitive and innovative on a global scale.
I'll add something to that.
Your Boss is also a human that knows about family things that can happen.
if your base (home) is working you are more focused while you at work, and it reduces blunders, and blunders can be quite expensive no matter if you are a blue collar worker or a office guy.
And if you are happy at your work you are less likely to start looking for another job.
And it is expensive to replace an employee and even worse do you leave for a competitor and bringing your knowledge with you.
1. You loose experience, both work experience (how many years you have done the job), and how long time you have been at the Company, each Company does things differently.
2. You need someone new, the new guy, does he have your work ethics (be on time, etc.), does he "click" with his co-workers, or does the chemistry not work. etc. And it takes time to get people interviewed for the job.
There are a lot of different things here. Casualness, not stressing, equality, respect, caring for each other as persons. I think it is all connected to trust. Being trustworthy and trusting others is perhaps_the_ Scandinavian core value. Everything else is connected to that.
Anyhow, congratulations south the job.
Trust is definitely a thing that impacts on everything.
At work people here are trusted to do their best, to think on their feet and be able to make decisions and essentially only involve the boss if there is an issue or need for guidance. And most time if one needs the boss it will be in the form of exchange of views and ideas, not a thing where the boss dictates and doing it like that not only means employees feel valued it also make for better decisions since bosses don't know everything.
On average Danes work just about the least number of hours in a year, but productivity is as good as anywhere and I think it is partly due to overall good education and partly due to the trust thing. Like people don't spend a significant part of their work time to get approval from their boss, the approval is a given unless there is something big then consulting or an "OK" is of course needed.
I am Icelandic, and almost 80 ears ago we were Danish subjects (like Greenland and the Faeroese still are). Our ties to Denmark is REALLY close (Danish was my second language, English is a distant third). We also embrace this Nordic Work/Life balance that is so important in the Nordic countries. We work to live, we do not live to work. Our personal life matters just as much as our jobs, and fortunately most Nordic companies embrace that principle. You, coming from the US, appear to embrace that culture as well - a happy employee is a good employee!
Kæmpe tillykke med dit nye Job Kelly.
Du gør det fantastik. Keep up the awesome job.
This is why Denmark is 'happier' than your average country😄 I'm a Brit living in Denmark for 32 years now. Been a math and English teacher for 20 years. Love Denmark
❤
About fredags brød, around 2000 I was a supervisor in a middle danish company, one Friday my boss the operation manager and I got some very hard words from the company owner, 10 minutes and then he said "oww it's Friday bread time let's go" and all was forgotten, best ever "skide balle" I have ever got
In big companies in Denmark you can often see the CEO or other high ranked bosses eating in the cantine with the janitor or a shop assistent and talking togeather about whatever...
Congratulations Kelly!! 👍👏👍👏🇺🇲🇩🇰🇺🇲🇩🇰 Hope you enjoy your new carreer and excel!
Thanks so much for a refreshing take on our work culture! To hear how you enjoy going to work and have embraced it makes me as a Dane proud.
Tillykke med dit nye job Kelly dejligt at se hvor glad du er for det.
Exactly this! I've been a part of a few startups in Denmark. It never ceases to surprise me at how relaxed everyone is regarding, dress code, task pressure, to flexible work hours, options for remote vs commute everything. At first I thought it must be a small business attitude but now it seems must be just how it is here.
Do you think "the great resignation" hasn't had such a big impact here in part due to the casual work culture?
EDIT: Maybe I've been putting too much pressure on myself lately. It sometimes overwhelms the gratitude I also feel to be able to work here and with something I'm at least middlingly good at.
Hard to say, but start-up companies are much more laid back that any other. It was a much different environment in my internship (startup) compared to where I am now (larger, international /but mostly Danes around me company). I appreciate that they take off the pressure. ;)
Du er glad for dit nye job:) Det skinner klart igennem. Til lykke med det
İ have been living in Turkey for the last 20 years but every day I thank the Lord for being born in Denmark, safe heaven with a lot of security.
Hi, thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us. I’m from Panama living in the USA with a Danish husband and kids. I was lucky enough to experience the Danish work culture in the USA, working for a Danish Corporation and it was mind blowing. As you said we are so used to feeling guilty when we need time off and being judge by the time we spent working at the office. That Danish company treated all of us like human beings, which made me realize that unfortunately the work culture in most places not only the USA but the whole Americas is focused on the wrong things. However, a lot of companies now on this part of world are making positive changes, mostly because of the pandemic, towards a more balance life for their employees. Have a great week
I work in Denmark too, it’s retail and my first job, I’ve been there for a little less than a year and a half. We work two at a time in the store during my shifts (evenings, and mornings during weekends) and there is always a mutual respect. We back each other up and know our mental health is more important than a customer. And with that I mean we don’t let them get to us too much and we talk a little about it if both of us are there to experience it. For example, pretty early on in my employment it was an evening shift and this woman was being pretty nasty about the price of a product or whatever. I ask for help from my coworker because I don’t know how to do this particular thing. After the customer left, my coworker went “yeah, she was just a bitch. Don’t let her get to you” (I’m paraphrasing, don’t remember the exact words). That customer was the closet I’ve ever met to a Karen, and she didn’t even ask for the manager. Even though the bad ones stand out, you also start to notice those who *see* you. And with that I mean the vast majority who see you as an individual and not just a machine, and appreciate your help and your friendliness. I think most Danes just naturally have that respect drilled into their brains.
Also, it’s fun having a casual relationship with the store manager and the two other managers. They’re all so nice and the whole team bonded recently because we went bowling and drinking.
Tillykke med dit nye job! Generelt betragter vi vores kollegaer som vores anden familie her i Danmark, og der tages mange steder ekstra godt imod de nye medarbejdere, så de hurtigt kommer til at føle hjemme på deres arbejdsplads. Gode arbejdspladser skaber gode medarbejdere som trives og som herved kan arbejde frigjort og herved mere effektivt. Gode arbejdspladser er også et steder vi ønsker at blive på hvilket er sundt for arbejdspladsen da indkøring af nye medarbejdere altid giver et lille dyk i den samlede effektivitet. Der er en lang liste af gode grunde til at få et sundt arbejdsmiljø. Det glæder mig meget du har fået et job med en masse danskere, da det med stor sandsynlighed vil have indflydelse på dit sprog og så er der jo også den sociale bonus, gode kollegaer kan udvide din sociale omgangskreds. ;)
I think the Danish (perhaps Nordic) work-life balance is what amazes Americans most, it is so different from their way of living.
When I Got my first job, I wrote ‘picking up kids’ in my work calendar, and that was 50% of the days. I kept on doing that for more than 25 years(15 years between my oldest and my youngest ), and after a short break I now have a day a week where I leave after lunch to pick up my grandkids - also in the calendar
Ausgezeichnet! I really like what you have discovered and what you enjoy in the Danish workplace and how they treat their employees. I'm in Sweden working for a Danish company and we have a lot of similarities. Some differences, I admit, but in general very much alike.
As a Dane that have worked for English and American companies it seems bosses find it difficult that they we don't grovel and do not sugarcoat stuff and speak our mind when we disagree with them. They seem to think I am being rude.
That sounds really amazing. Here in the US, we get fired so easily. I, now, live outside of LA (Los Angeles) , but its stressful.
I've always wanted to live in dk, but now I'm 55 and do not have the college education.. haha but, I envy the people who are able to live and work there.
they do a lot to ensure that seniors can enter the labor market, as we have a shortage of labour, so you don't have to be afraid of that with your age
When I started working I had kids in kindergarden, and the days I had to pick the kids it was i my work calender.
It still is - once a week - to pick up grandchildren
Re 2: Danish blue-collar worker. At my previous job (this is some years back) one of my coworkers went on maturnity leave. They brought in a a substitute. When my coworker came back from leave, they were so impressed with the substitute they offered her a permanent position in my department (another coworker announced his retirement a few months prior, they bounced her around for 2-3 months until the right date, no big deal). One of the best woworkers (the substitute ;) ) I've ever had, and a close friend to this day. When she (the substitute cum coworker) went on maturnity leave herself, the cycle repeated. The substitute was moved into a permanent position after her return. Sadly I have no contact with 'that' substitute after her leaving. I love this system. Some of my best colleagues have come from maturnity-leave-substitutes, yet I've always treasured when the maturnity-leavee came back because of having a highly experienced and qualified coworker back, a close friend with me at work again and no less them bringing their adorable children to work. What's the drawback? Yes, the employor have to pay for 2 during the leave, but: 1) the government reimburse most of their expense and 2) (and this is often overlooked) maturnity leave rights are often a part of overenskomst-negotiations between unions and employor-associations. Unions waive part of wage increase in exchange for maturnity leave. All are happy. ... until employers start to whine... But coming back to yout question; absolutely nothing against coworkers who go on maturnity leave, have to leave early or having to take a barns-første-sygedag (kids first day of sickness?). That's all part of our overenskomst! It's what we collectively bargained for. Use those rights whenever they apply. I plan on using all my senior-days when I start accumulatoing next year. :)
Re 4: Over the years I've had to train a few coworkers to be able to fill in for me (had an extremly critical, but not particularly complicated function) during holidays and sickness. Most of the time my boss would pick the fill-in and always told me to take whatever time I'd need to train them. He'd even take over part of my function during it. All he asked was that after training the substitute could fill in at any notice, without any delay. There were never any rush, just to be thorough.
Re 5: We had friday beer. At lunch every friday you could buy one (1) pilsner at the canteen. This was discontinued several years back for 'not being with the times.' It was nice to be able celebrate weekend with your coworkers, but apparently allowing employees to relax with colleagues during lunch is 'not responsible'. :(
Thanks for the great video Kelly. :)
I have worked for several different large US companies with sites in Canada. For the most part, I found that many jobs with these companies have a heavy workload. Working overtime is often expected (or required due to workload), and in many cases it is unpaid.
In a couple of US based companies that I worked for, a doctor's note was required before returning to work to verify illness.
With one well known US multinational that I worked for I found that nepotism was rampant, and cliques were well established. This resulted in favoritism in promotions, work allocation and bonuses to 'members of the club'.
I also worked for the government for about 2 years in various jobs, and found the environment, workload and culture to be one of care and respect. This was a stark contrast to my general experiences working for the US multi nationals.
Cheers!
Held og lykke med jobbet!
Boss/employee relationship is very important. I work in a middling sized company and I'm the lowest paid and least educated person in the entire company, with regards to what we do, in any case. And I often have conversations about random stuff with the CEO and the co-owner of the company. My nearest boss let's me do whatever I want as long as I get the job done on time, and he's a friendly guy to boot.
As HR person, I just want to say, most companies still look at numbers, sick days etc. But it sounds like the states mainly see it as a worker issue, where we here see some of it as a workplace problem. Plus there is no money in having workers shift around a lot. Its best to keep ppl. Its about knowledge and routines and culture. Best of luck in your new job.
Tillykke med den nyt job...
Regarding clothing: I think it started in the late 60'es. The hippie style affected some teachers too. I remember (no hippie) a teacher that always was dressed in white from head to toe. He said it was because the white chalk that was used to write on the blackboard. He didn't want it to soil his clothes.
Congrats with the new job 🙂
A friend of mine worked for a US company. The first week he noticed that all men wore dark suits, white shirts and ties, so he asked a colleague if they always dressed like that, and the colleague told that they did except on Fridays, which were called "caual Friday". So Friday he dresssed in jeans and a T-shirt, only to discover that everybody else, was dressed as any other day, except that they left out the ties. 🤠
Ha ha ups
You're worth it. Shine!
Congrats on the new job, I've changed job quite a few times, and the first day you go home and say to yourself, TODAY I EARNED MY MONEY is a great sensation, but it usually takes some time to get to that day.
Thanks!
Friday bread - ever seen "Den skaldede frisør" where the manager played by Pierce Brosnan has very frustrated comments about the Danes always eating cake 🤭🎂🍰🍩🍦🥧
Here in Sweden we usually we have a dresscode at work places. "Hel och ren" :)
A week is 168 hours, We spend 38 hours at work + transport, We get up even when it is dark and the bed is warm, we get out in a cold car and drive in heavy traffic back and forth. The hours we spend on it must not be sour hours...So I am glad that you feel you are not just in a hamster wheel. where you have to run 10,000 laps and then home. and the next day 10,000 new rounds await..
If you have a manager that shows care and enables you to grow, the results would probably be better than if you have a manager that is result-driven. Because if you like your job, you are more likely to hang around longer and the company saves money not having to train new people every so often. Also, I think if you are happy at work you produce a better result than if you are unhappy. That's my point of view anyways.
One thing I always hear from my non-Danish colleagues is how crazy it is the way we joke and poke fun at each other - even at the boss. Apparently that's unthinkable in a lot of other countries. Also how independent we are - we don't just mindlessly do whatever upper management says no matter if it makes sense or not.
Every census made on the subject tells the same thing: workers that are content/happy about their workplace, are also more productive.
Treating your workforce poorly isn't only inhuman; it's idiotic and counterproductive to the goals you are trying to achieve with your company.
Totally agreed.
Also, having a lot of firering and hiring disrupts workflow and the "balance" of the teams. And it's an expensive process each time to seek new employees, interview, evaluate, hire and integrate them in the team.
We love you Kelly
Ja, hvor blev fyraftensøllen af? Specielt om fredagen.
I works wonders for you, Kelly! Has you family back in the US commmented on any changes?
I think you look more relaxed, more free, and "ligther", than in your first videos - at least I think so. What do the other Kelly-fans think?
I haven't seen my US family in over 2 years. I guess, I can ask them when I see them. Thanks. I think a break form TH-cam might have also helped with that too! LOL :)
Hej Kelly, I pretty much agree with all your 5 items having worked in Denmark for the last 20+ years now, coming originally from Central Europe. Even there the business culture is very different. I would personally add 2 more, very important items to your list, being office environment (highest standards for equipment and often own, free-of-charge canteen) and last but not least low hirachy, open-door attitudes with direct access to superiors even 2 or more levels higher than you. Let me know what you think.
We have to pay in our canteen. I agree on the open hierarchy, though! ;)
In Denmark we focus on the person; If you are unwell in your private life you are probably not doing well at work.
Hi ! I Think the Danish manage style differs from what i have seen abroad. As a manager You selden give orders, You sell ideas and are willing to listen to counter arguments. This Way is Working fine in Denmark, but using this manegement style in other countries is not always understood nor respected. This is my humble experiance from working 16y in a danish international Company.I’ve also learned, how different countries Think Theis style is the best. From a us boss i’ve heard this: the german style is vers detailed, but take ages. When they finally come to a desission, the world has moved. The us way is built on flexabillity, and the danish way is a litte bit of each. Maybe it boils down to, what we are familiar with, we like the most.
Kelly. It makes no sense to (most) Danes, to have a "S...y" job😌 . Life's to short! The happier we are, the more productive we are. So happy workforce, happy company (makes more, or saves more money😉). It's expensive training new employees, especially if there well educated, experienced and good at there job. Yeah. You can always hire a new ”Kelly”, but why would you, if you already have the best one for the job 😊!? Congrats on your new job 👍😊👍!! So so Happy for you 👍! Shared your post on my FB site..., so there 😜 !! PS: Remember to vote on Tuesday! Danish or not, it's your right and civil duty 👍 😁👍 !
Thanks so much for all of your kind words. :) Sorry to be getting back to you late. The boys have been sick, and now it is my turn to fight off the germs! :(
Hope you get well soon 👍 !!
Same experience, but not everything is good.
I would never share anything with my boss because I had some bad experiences and usually I keep people at arms length.
There is to many backstabbers and I would never let my boss, person of leadership or anyone at the job have access my socialmedia, they are blocked 🤷
I am Danish..
Have a nice weekend 👍
It's the positive side of Janteloven.
Spændende :)!
I like how your kids love rugbroed, they are 100% danish now 💥🎶😂👍🇩🇰. Thats why the don’t understand American things so much anymore. They just can’t personal relate to anything american. Because they are danish🇩🇰💥😍.
Love your videos, keep them comming 😊
My older son still doesn't understand why people like soccer, so they aren't 100% Danish. LOL
But he does like table tennis! LOL :)
I'm danish buy my dad he was home sick because of stress btw he is a trucker who comes home everyday and only drives in Denmark but after a serten amount of time he got fired cuz he wasn't working so i think what u say about it's more about the people it's depends on what job
I am sure you are right. I think many people get stress at their job... that is also very true.
the forces on the person becease we know most people can learn what they need to know. but you can't teach to fit in the company :)
Friday cake > Friday bread... :)
I'm an Arbejdsmiljørepræsentant at my work. I love to secure a great environment for my fellow colleagues.
Is an Arbejdsmiljørepræsentant a thing in USA?
I'm not sure I understand what you do.
@@MyNewDanishLife If a workplace has more than 10 employees, then one of the employees ought to be an Arbejdsmiljørepræsentant. As an arbejdsmiljørepræsentant you have to secure the work environment. The arbejdsmiljørepræsentant is elected by the colleagues. I hope this description is adequate.
Maybe your husband can describe it🤔 If your workplace has more than 10 employees, then they'll have one too😁
I, as being a Dane living in Denmark, do have a different experience at some of the points.
I work with software development, and here there is not much patience with newcomers; the expectation is that they are at almost full speed from day one.
Work speed is high-paced, and I have seen colleagues get nervous breakdowns, some ending up on extended sick leave and eventually getting fired to be replaced with new people.
And to get time off for something is often nigh on impossible. Something I usually do when getting a new job is to negotiate how I get time off for my half years check-up with the dentist, often it costs a vacation day to do so, each time.
The Friday "entertainment" varies a lot from workplace to workplace. One of the more special I have experienced was each Friday the boss placed the pile of job applications received during the week, and then he did go through them and read aloud passages of what they had written. Especially passages about how genius his business idea was, how fantastic he was, how they really wanted to work for him in his fantastic work environment, was what he was going for.
Det lyder godt nok som om at du arbejder for et lortefirma. Livet er for kort til dårlige jobs. Ingen takker dig for at du ofrer dig for firmaet du arbejder for.
I also work with software development, and my experience in the workplace is almost the complete opposite.
I have a lot of experience in this field, and know that a single really good developer can be as productive as a dozen of other developers. And he can significantly increase the productivity of other developers. Often management will therefore give him a manager role he is not really interested in. And then he will soon leave to another company where he is allowed to do the software development he is really interested in.
Sounds like your boss has too big an ego. He will not be able to attract and keep good developers here in Denmark without a good workplace environment, and that will likely lead to the failure of his company.
You might want to look for a new job. Good software developers are hard to find, and the successful employers know they need to maintain a good work environment to keep them.
@@julianneheindorf5757 Det er den gennemsnitlige oplevelse jeg har haft gennem nu temmelig mange ansættelser.
Dog den med fredags underholdningen er fra en specifik ansættelse, som jeg til sidst sagde op fra, da jeg begyndte at få symptomer på stress.
Det vakte en del forargelse: Hvor vovede jeg at sige op uden at have et andet job klar til at skifte til?!
@@jamesabber7891 It is my average experience from the employments I have had over the years.
Except for the Friday one, there I ended quitting my job. It took me a little over a half year before I found employment again.
He is known to be one of the worse bosses to work for, and I know others who have quit from him.
He does not care, he just picks from the pile of job applications and thus gets the position filled quickly again.
I was employee #6 in the early days of the company, since then it has grown to become a quite large company.
Can I get a job in Denmark as a Junior Software Engineer? I live in the USA but I would like to move to Denmark.
I would SO much hear what the foundational difference between the US and a country like DK is, in your opinion. Americans always say: "Well you can't compare a country of 330 mio with one of 5.6 mio.' Or you can't compare a country with a multitude of ethnicities with a country of just white people." DK has not only white people. We've for years tried to pressure immigrants to come integrated, which some of them perceive as racism (I read that online too).
Compare that to the pc Sweden.
Anyway, what do you think?
I am going to make a video about Foreigners in Denmark and what I think they are doing to the country! ;) I have wanted to make it for a long time, but just haven't had the time.
We have a lot of problems in DK. Lack of teachers, lack of nurses, lack of social workers (socialrådgivere), too many young people not getting a proper education, too high a old/young people ratio etc.
But since I'm a USA nerd I have to say I'm really worried about what will happen to (small 'd') democracy during the next 10 years.
If the US becomes a dumpster fire, China and Russia will change the world - to the worse.
Just yesterday I saw an American calling the EU "come on girl!". Quite appropriate.
We live in very uncertain times.
And americans still, cant understand why the scandinavians countries scores high in work/private life ..
Oh, there are many Americans who do understand! I supervise clerical staff in a police station and I am FLEXIBLE and relaxed in comfort and personal life needs. The results are a happy, highly productive staff! They even have a room to take a nap (if they need or want). Other stations started doing the same in my California county. 👍
"The beatings will continue until morale improves"
Number 5 - Friday BEER!
Taler du dansk med dine kollegaer/kolleger?
3 guys in my departement. 1 down. 🤔 Well. We'll fix the important stuff. And get Up to date, when you're back. 🤔😉 No problem. 😁
❤
Breaking bread is older than bread itself, I'm afraid.
I think, both our education and worklife , is different. We have SU , and free school, we don't use scholarships or funds, to attend the university. Judging by your arms, maybe You were good at swim class, but do not need to , in Denmark. We do( mostly) not have a corporate culture, with bonus salary's , or cut throat competition with colleagues, because of union and a believe in equality and team work.
...rowing...but many years ago.
Thx😊 but still a little visible . A sign of competiveness, which, I think, Is not that common , in the Danish work force. We are maybe more relaxed, as long as the job is done in time.
I’m so thrilled that someone come from outside and having something nice to say about our white nation even though she is working.
Glad to do my part
Happy emplyees are productive employees 🙃
🤗😊🥰🥰🥰
With unemployment at 3% companies better focus on the employee, not the job..
The United Kingdom compares distinctly unfavourably to Denmark - outmoded hierarchical organisational structure, Presenteeism, or sickness presence, (showing up for work without being productive) and general lack of trust between employees and employer and vice versa typically generates a less focused and less innovative work environment in the UK.
Yogapants are watching TH-cam)
I enjoyed your post but if you continue to post please get a better microphone and less harsh lighting.
hahaha! I try to get by with what I have. Especially in the dark days of winter. I need a voluntary film crew. LOL
❤ Love from Jerusalem the capital of Palestine
Did you say 50 fucking days?
Listening to all this makes me think Jeff Bezos wouldn't be as successful in Denmark as he is in the USA, but who knows, maybe I'm wrong...
Interesting video wish you had dropped the F word though
LOL! Dear Kelly" ! Your NO better at your job, than the "tools" you have to work with 😁 !
Yes yes you are becoming a communist :oP I joke I joke