10 tips for navigating a Danish workplace

Norms are highly implicit and only visible through social interactions, making them difficult to discuss. We’ve gathered ten take aways from the online 'On Demand' course 'Cultural Diversity in a Danish Working Context' held by Pharmadanmark so you have an overview and understanding of some of the basic cultural values and norms in a Danish work environment.

The course focused was led by Dennis Nørmark, a renowned anthropologist, author, and science communicator. You can watch the full course here!

1. There’s no right or wrong
In a work environment, misunderstandings can easily arise due to differences in culture and perceptions of the world. For example, Danes greet each other with “Godmorgen” in the morning, but if you say it after 10 or 11 AM, it might be interpreted as a sarcastic remark about people being late or looking tired, as "morning" typically ends around 8 or 9 AM. It’s important to be aware of these cultural differences to avoid misunderstandings within an organization. However, it's equally essential not to assume that some values are better than others—they are simply different.

2. Don’t be afraid to challenge your boss
Denmark has a low power distance culture. For instance, if your manager assigns you a task (A), but you realize that task B would be a better approach, you might find yourself in a dilemma if the manager is unavailable. Should you stick to the original task or take the initiative and do what you think is better? In Danish workplaces, managers are not seen as authority figures in the traditional sense. Many Danish managers expect you to challenge them, think critically, voice your opinions, and disagree when necessary.

3. Your input is important!
In Denmark, there is a strong tradition of consensus in decision-making, and team autonomy is highly valued in the workplace. People expect active involvement, open dialogue, and a collaborative approach, where everyone works together to find common ground and solutions. Danes also adopt a pragmatic approach to decisions, meaning it's common for decisions to be revisited and reassessed if circumstances change.

4. Team-spirit
Denmark is a highly collectivist society, and this is reflected in various aspects of life, including the Danish tax system, which embodies the widespread values of solidarity and sharing. Danes believe in relying on the collective to success rather than solely on individual effort. In the workplace, this has created a culture that emphasizes being part of a larger whole – one that values cooperation over competition, with a strong sense of shared responsibility among colleagues.

5. Speak up!
If you’re sitting in a meeting with Danes, waiting to be asked about something, you might find yourself waiting for a while. Due to the level of mutual trust in Danish society, Danes expect you to be proactive. If you want to be heard, speak up; if you need help, ask for it; and if you’re looking for feedback, don’t hesitate to ask.

6. Adopt a systematic work approach
Danes generally dislike uncertainty and unexpected situations. Danish society is highly systematic and organized around a set of rules, and this extends to the work environment as well. Ideally, work is well-structured and follows a clear plan.

7. Be honest!
Do you rely on honesty or courtesy? For most Danes, honesty is central. While they wouldn’t describe themselves as impolite, their communication style tends to be very honest, direct, and precise. They value straightforwardness and clarity over the more indirect or courteous approaches that might be common in other cultures.

8. Danes value self-irony
In Denmark, humor is an integral part of daily life, and people often joke with each other, even in professional settings. Humor is commonly used by both managers and employees to deescalate conflicts and offer gentle critique. It’s important for Danes to be able to laugh at themselves and also to be the subject of others' laughter. Self-irony is seen as a sign of humility and a way to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

9. High degree of freedom
Danes tend to work fewer hours, but their productivity remains high. Don’t be surprised if Danes leave the office at 2, 3, or 4 PM. For them, working hours are less important than what gets accomplished during those hours. The focus is on efficiency and results, rather than the number of hours spent at work.

10. Work has to be a good place to be!
In some countries, work is seen primarily as a means to earn money, and enjoyment isn’t a priority. However, in Denmark, work should be fun, interesting, and something you enjoy. The wellbeing of employees is highly valued in Danish workplaces, which is why topics like stress and work-life balance are often discussed and prioritized. 

Explore other ‘On Demand’ content here.