KXMGroup

Just a reminder that I'm available as a Copenhagen-based keynote speaker for international business groups, conferences, incentive travel, and MICE events visiting Denmark.

I deliver humorous, insightful presentations on Danish culture, working life, and what makes Danes so happy. Educational and entertaining.

Find out more here: https://www.kxmgroup.dk/kay-xander-mellish-expert-presentations_on_danish_culture/

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦?

That's one of the questions Kay Xander Mellish was asked in the latest edition of The International Denmark.

Kay responded:

"Lots of talking!

"The Danes are so intent on equality that they want to make sure everyone has their say, and that can take a while.

"If you come from a hierarchical culture – and most cultures are much more hierarchical than Denmark – it can be a big step to realize that you must treat everyone as an equal, whether it is the coffee lady, the student helper, or the big boss.

"A lot of newcomers put a foot wrong by being sharp and demanding with people below them on the corporate ladder, or unctuous and simpering to people above them. Both are huge turn-offs to their Danish colleagues."

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐮𝐱 𝐩𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?

"The most common faux pas I have seen by far is newcomers thinking they need to work extra hours to prove they are committed to the job.

"With notable exceptions, like peak seasons and project launches, you don’t have to work beyond the hours you are paid for in Denmark. If you do, you should get compensatory time off.

"Danes really value their free time; it’s one of the few things the government can’t tax! They take every day of their vacation, with their manager’s encouragement."

Read the full article in The International Denmark. Link below.