Denmark consistently ranks among the top countries for work-life balance. According to the latest OECD data, only 1.1% of Danes work 50 or more hours per week, compared to the global average of 10.2%. In contrast, the figures for the UK and the US are 10.8% and 10.4%, respectively.
Gabriel Hoces frequently emphasizes one word when discussing his work experience in Denmark: “trust.”
“Nobody micromanages or watches your every move,” says Hoces, who works at a tech company in Copenhagen. “Managers aren’t concerned about whether you work eight or nine hours; they only care if your projects are completed. There’s a strong sense of trust here, and the workplace feels very democratic, with little hierarchy.”
For Hoces, a married father of two, it’s no surprise that Denmark consistently ranks among the top countries for work-life balance. According to the latest OECD data, only 1.1% of Danes work 50 or more hours per week, compared to the global average of 10.2%. In contrast, the figures for the UK and the US are 10.8% and 10.4%, respectively.
Meik Wiking, author of The Art of Danish Living and head of The Happiness Research Institute, sees Denmark as a model for workplace policies. “Danes are genuinely happy at work,” he explains. “Nearly 60% say they would continue working even if they won the lottery.”
Wiking attributes this to policies like a minimum of five weeks of paid leave annually, generous parental leave, and a general culture of trust. For instance, Tivoli Gardens amusement park staff follow a “three-metre rule,” taking responsibility for everything within their vicinity, which fosters a sense of empowerment and appreciation.
Janine Leschke, a professor at Copenhagen Business School, highlights the flexibility of Danish work culture, allowing employees to manage personal tasks during the day without strict office hours. This contrasts with some US employers’ expectations for weekend availability, which Hoces views as a significant downside.
Casper Rouchmann, CEO of tech firm SparkForce, underscores Denmark’s relaxed leadership style and the ingrained trust in its culture, though he acknowledges it might discourage entrepreneurial risk-taking compared to the US.
Samantha Saxby, an American HR expert, notes that Denmark’s focus on collective well-being contrasts with the US’s emphasis on individual achievement, which often sacrifices work-life balance. However, she observes a shift as more companies globally adopt progressive benefits like unlimited paid time off and wellness programs, recognizing the value of well-rested, balanced employees.
