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With reduced working hours, a focus on well-being and high productivity, the Nordic country has become a global reference in quality of life in the professional environment
In an era of long working hours and burnout, Denmark has a lot to teach us about work-life balance. Recognized for its culture of well-being, the country ranks among the top countries in the OECD rankings, behind only Italy, when it comes to balancing career and personal routine. The key lies in the way the country values free time, establishes lean working hours and, still, maintains extremely high levels of productivity. According to Forbes Brazil, the Danish model inspires companies around the world to rethink their people management practices.
In Denmark, people work an average of 32,4 hours per week, one of the shortest working hours in the world, according to data from Infomoney. Despite shorter working hours, the country is among the most productive on the planet, ranking third in GDP per hour worked, according to the World Population Review. The secret? Focus on what matters. Workdays usually start early and end mid-afternoon, with no overtime or interruptions in free time. This practical, direct and efficient approach has transformed the corporate environment into something healthy and functional, without compromising results.
A culture that values the balance between personal time and leisure, placing people's well-being as a priority
Balance goes beyond the time clock. In Danish culture, professional identity does not define the person, the work it's just a part of life, not the center of it. Only 1,1% of Danish professionals work more than 50 hours a week, while the global average is 10,2%, according to the OECD. Danes spend an average of almost 16 hours a day on personal and leisure activities. That means more time with family, hobbies, health and relaxation, a simple equation that translates into happiness and engagement.
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Lessons the world can learn from Denmark’s balance sheet
Denmark's experience proves that it is possible to be productive without sacrificing well-being. Instead of overburdening employees, local companies promote balanced working hours, flexible schedules and trust policies. According to Forbes Brazil, this model not only improves the organizational climate, but also reduces absences due to stress, increases talent retention and stimulates creativity. For management experts, the Danish balance is one of the main reasons for the high satisfaction rate and low levels of burnout recorded in the country.
And Brazil in this story?
Brazil ranks 25th in the OECD ranking for work-life balance. Although it has laws that limit weekly working hours, many Brazilians face long commutes, constant overtime and difficulty separating their professional and personal lives. The good news is that some companies are already looking to the Scandinavian model for inspiration. With the rise of hybrid work and new well-being policies, the perception is growing in the country that quality of life and productivity they can, indeed, go together, as happens in Denmark.
