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

Gabriel Hoces repeats the word seven times when discussing what it’s like to work in Denmark – “to believe”.

“No one is trying to distract you, or look over your shoulder,” said Hoces, who works at a technology company in Copenhagen. “Bosses aren’t coming to see if you put in eight or nine hours a day, because they only care when you get your work done.

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

It is no surprise to Mr Hoces, a married father of two young daughters, that Denmark consistently ranks among the top five countries in the world for employment. layout.

Only 1.1% of Danes work 50 hours or more per week, according to the latest international statistics from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This is a much lower share than the national average of 10.2%.

In contrast, the number of UK and 10.8% and the US is 10.4%.

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

“Dan is happy at work,” he told 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 a number of principles that contribute to a good working life in Denmark.

This includes the right to five weeks of paid holiday per year, including holidays. In the UK most workers have rights up to 5.6 weeks of paid vacation, but in the US it can be as low as only 11 days.

Denmark also offers a generous six-month payment plan maternity leave. In the UK the father, or his infertile partner, gets it a week or two of paid leave.

In the US there is only a federal guarantee of unpaid parental leave, although some states, such as California, now offer paid time off after the birth of a child.

Mr. Wiking is another Dane who mentions the idea of ​​employers trusting their employees to do the right thing. He uses the example of workers at the amusement park Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, where they follow the three-meter rule.

The idea is that you are the CEO of everything within three feet. “When you see trash within three meters, you pick it up, and when you see a stranger who wants something, you stop and ask him if you can help him,” says Wiking.

He said that when employees take their own space it can help them feel empowered and appreciated, which helps them maintain a positive attitude towards their work.

Janine Leschke, a professor in the department of management, humanities and communication at Copenhagen Business School, says that Denmark “is not a work culture where you have to show up and be available all day, all evening, to show hard work all the time”.

Instead, he says flexibility within the workday gives employees the time they need to, say, pick up their kids from school or provide day care. “The day doesn’t have to end in five or six years, and that’s great for many Danes who have children.”

The Hoces have seen how employers in the US can expect their employees to be available on weekends, to answer an email or the odd message. Such overtime does not correspond to his view of good work.

He said: “If I had to call on weekends, that would have been very frustrating for me, and I would probably have changed my job.” “But so far this hasn’t happened to me or anyone I know.”

Casper Rouchmann, CEO of Copenhagen and founder of the technology company SparkForce, says his leadership style may be familiar to many Danes. “You don’t need to ask me to leave early,” he says. “No one takes advantage of my kindness.”

Mr Rouchmann adds that loyalty is so ingrained in Danish culture, that visitors to Denmark are often left wondering how to get there. He also points out the generous nature of Denmark, and that companies should give money compensation for workers who have been laid off.

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

As other countries can learn from the good working life in Denmark, it is said to have some problems. “Some people might rely too much on that safety net, and it would say to them that they shouldn’t take real risks, so we might be less traders than the US.”

Samantha Saxby, an American philanthropist, says that Denmark has a good working life because the country “takes care of good health”.

In contrast, he says the US “has emphasized individual excellence and ambition, which has led to innovation, but often to the detriment of working life”.

However Ms Saxby, who is the head of marketing at the US National Human Resources Association, says companies in the US and elsewhere in the world can follow the lead of Denmark and other happy Nordic countries.

“Progressive organizations are introducing benefits such as unlimited vacation time, health-related days, and wellness programs, encouraging employees to prioritize self-care,” he says. “This not only reduces stress, but also shows that employers value their entire career.

“More and more companies are realizing that a retired and qualified workforce brings fresh ideas, problem-solving skills, and greater engagement. Employees are starting to feel empowered to take the time they need without sacrificing career growth.”