Guide

• Dress code

  Although the workplace culture varies from company to company, the general office dress code is relatively relaxed for both men and women, smart casual being the norm.

  At business meetings, Danes will generally introduce themselves by their full name and with a handshake and expect you to do the same. You should not expect to be introduced to people by others. You should take the initiative (this is also the case at social gatherings).

  
  
• Hierachy

  Danish companies are known to have a very flat hierarchical structure. People often relate to one another as equals regardless of job titles and formal positions.

  Managers and employees address each other by their first names and most decisions are discussed in forums where all employees have an equal say. At lunch, you will find managers and employees sitting at the same table talking about family life, holidays and what they do in their spare time.

  In the typical Danish workplace, everyone is encouraged to contribute with ideas and professional opinions regardless of title or status. Moreover, everyone relevant is always involved in making decisions. This means that the general atmosphere in a Danish workplace is professional, but also casual and informal.

  Team collaboration

  Danish workplaces often focuses towards teamwork and team collaboration. This way of working together is based on trust. Your team members or your manager will not micromanage you or see how you are coming along with work. They trust that the work will be done within the agreed timelines unless informed otherwise. Some internationals also describe the work culture in Denmark as being very informal compared to what they are used to.

  Asking questions

  For some internationals, asking questions can be challenging especially if you come from a culture that is top-down driven. In Denmark, we believe in the saying: “There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.” So do not hesitate to ask your employer, if you might have questions regarding work or how to proceed with a task. Asking questions or giving critical comments is considered showing your commitment and taking responsibility.

  
  
• Humor at work

  Danish humor can be tricky thing to newcomers. The Danish humour involves sarcasm and irony, and can therefore be hard to interpret for others.

  Find examples and explanations at "howtoliveindenmark.dk"
• Punctuality

  Be on time and take appointments and deadlines seriously. Danes create tight schedules. If you don't show up on time for an appointment you will be accused of wasting other people’s time - and time is very valuable due to the tight schedules. It is regarded as very impolite and disrespectful not to be on time.

  
  
• Trust and independence

  There is a high level of trust in Denmark, where one says “a deal is a deal”, and we trust that the other party will accept the mutual agreement. In fact, the flat structure in the work culture is primarily built on trust.

  Managers do not micromanage their employees and do not have to ensure that they are doing their job well as they trust that this is the case. Another keyword that can describe the Danish work culture is “independence.”

  Danes often prefer to work independently, and employers like the fact that employees are responsible and able to work independently. The relationship between the employer and the employee is built on trust and mutual respect. The employer trusts that the employee will speak up if there is an issue.

  
  
• Work-life balance

  Usually, one of the first things internationals mention about the Danish work culture is the work-life balance. The fact that most employees work from 8 am to 4 pm and are able to return home to their families or take part in activities organized by some of the clubs and associations, is something that many expat families value when moving to Denmark. Leisure time is important to the Danes and many families make an effort to spend as much time as possible outdoors.