Tag Archives: work

Denmark – One Year On

One year ago today I arrived in Denmark. From London, via Hamburg. I arrived exhausted – it was a gruelling trip, what with luggage and train cancellations. However, it signified the start of a new life: a new country and a new job in a new field. I was excited.

Having known Michael for around 4 years, I had, of course, often visited Denmark. During these visits I had encountered a country that looked ‘like in the films’: green rolling hills in spring and summer, golden reddish hues in autumn, and snow! However, most of all, houses had attics – with sloping roofs! You may say – why the excitement? But I come from a country with flat roofs and sloping roofs was what all houses in fairytales had when growing up!

However, I was also apprehensive. I had experienced quite a number of Danes who solely looked inwards towards Denmark and Danes rather than outwards towards the rest of the world. These were people who really believed that everything in Denmark is the best in the world. An attitude, might I add, I had never encountered previously and is the complete opposite to what I expect. This did not sit easy with me – I like to question everything, if only to understand. This is a country where ‘hygge’ and a happy time is important above all else. Coming from a confrontational society, where arguments are relished, I was worried.

So what have I found? I have found a bit of both. Lovely nature that is opposite to the dry and urbanised landscape I grew up with. But also, people with different norms of what is acceptable discourse and what is not, and individuals who struggled with my questions as they were used to having what they say accepted without being challenged in the hope by others of keeping the peace.

Over all, however, I am happy to be here. I appreciate the nature I have around me. I appreciate having the possibilities I have been given in being involved in the community. Above all else, however, I have learnt more about Danish culture and what causes people to act the way they do. This has come in handy in feeling less affronted by what I am told and confronted with, and – why not? – in knowing what buttons to push when I feel its time to give my argumentation skills some exercise!

First Month in Denmark

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I have now been living in Denmark for a month. What are my first impressions? Are the Danes as unwelcoming to foreigners as a number of other expats make them out to be? Are Danes as happy as they like to think they are? Is the weather really all that bad? This is a short snapshot of my still forming view:

I’ve got sunshine! In a bag

Weather is foggy all the time. At first it makes you feel as though you are in an enchanted land. This feeling, unfortunately, wears out pretty quickly and then it starts to wear you down. I am glad to be able to escape to Malta for Christmas where the weather (I hope!) should be way better. I guess in these circumstances I really need to transport myself to the sun if I am to enjoy any!

Tell me Why

Most people can speak English, but would prefer not to if at all possible. This means that when I ask for help people often try to fob me off. However, as soon as Michael speaks Danish the service is quickly and efficiently provided to me. I have already written about my experience when applying for the CPR number. However it happened again when trying to get a bank account (was told that I needed to go back another day) and registering for a tax card (was told I needed to post a form and it would take 2 weeks at least). When Michael tried in Danish he got me the bank account there and then and the tax card within 3 days max. How’s that for service?

How do you solve a problem like…?

Another thing I have noted is that Danes tend to answer only the question put to them and do not try to think of how else they can help me. Therefore, if you don’t know the exact question you want answered it is difficult to get the information you need. Thinking outside the box as to what someone in your situation might need does not seem to be a strong point here!

Hi ho, hi ho, and off to work we go!

I have already written about my impression of working in Denmark earlier. So far at work I have been included and made to feel welcome by everyone. I am sure that the presence of other foreigners in the group has paved the way for me here and it also means that I have someone to ask questions to – having an assigned buddy who seems very happy in this role is also a blessing as I feel comfortable enough asking when I need help (and him being a foreigner means that he can often guess as to what I need and answer with that information!).

Food, Glorious Food

Food here is what I call real farmer food: meat and potatoes and you’re all set! Unfortunately Danes like to slather their food with salt, and then some. To someone who grew up without using any salt in her cooking this is quite a shock to the system I am sure.

However, on a more positive note, I am happy to see that we have so far found all the ingredients we have looked for – including condensed milk for making Christmas logs at a local ethnic store. We have also found out that there are local fishermen selling their fish from boats on Als Sound – we definitely need to check them out!

Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round

They actually do! Unlike London, here, when on the bus, it actually moves! The frequency is not as high as in London, as could be expected in a more rural area. However, when a colleague grumbled that the buses sometimes arrive 5 minutes late I knew I was on to a good thing! Also, rather than traffic, people and buildings here I see sheep, cows and horses – ever so much more pleasant!

And in the End

Although it is not perfect (and it can never be) I am happy with the decision to move to Denmark for work so far. I am enjoying Sonderborg and I am excited about my work, besides sharing it with Michael. What more could I want?

Working in Denmark

First Day at Work

It was immediately clear to me that the company was ready for my arrival. I had a computer, a phone, a mobile phone and a desk with storage space already set up. An introduction plan had also been prepared for my first weeks with timeslots already planned for meetings with individual colleagues to introduce me to their work. I was also assigned a buddy for practical help and a mentor for technical help, besides the colleague I will work most closely with. I was also greeted with flowers from my manager!

My colleagues were also eager and ready to meet me; a message had been circulated about my joining and with some brief details about me as soon as I signed the contract around a month earlier. This is unlike my experience in the UK where we often only learnt about a new person joining when they turned up on their first day.

Work Day

The work day proceeds quite differently to what I am used to too. In London I worked a 9-5 day, which meant that I was often one of the first (if not the first) to arrive in the office and also to leave. In Denmark? I aim for 8:30-4:30, and am one of the last to arrive and last to leave!

There is also one other big difference in working culture. In the UK (and Malta, though to a lesser extent) I often felt that presenteeism (the tendency to stay at work beyond the time needed for effective performance on the job) was pervasive. Here, employees come to work, do their work, and then leave, giving them the necessary time for a fulfilling personal life. This probably explains why I have not heard anyone grumble or complain in the few days I have been there!

I think this is possible as employees are trusted to see that their work is done. This also means that I have seen much less time-wasting here (if at all!). At the same time activities that bring employees together, such as a Friday roll club (where bread rolls and toppings and brought by a different person each week), or a joint Advent calendar (where everyone gives 2 gifts to the pile and every day in advent someone gets to choose a gift), are accepted with a smile.

Overall Impression

My first impressions of working in Denmark are positive: welcoming colleagues with a successful work-life balance. Of course, I have not had extensive experience of working in either the UK, and more so Denmark, but I look forward to learning more about the Danish working culture over the coming weeks, months and years.

Hej Sønderborg

Culture, food, events and life on Als, Denmark