It's through curiosity and looking at opportunities in new ways that we've always mapped our path, Michael Dell
If you're pondering the idea of moving abroad and considering Copenhagen or the Capital Region as your potential new home, you're likely seeking firsthand experiences to inform your decision. As someone with a network of foreigners living in Denmark, I understand the importance of having insights from those who have already made the leap. Let me share with you valuable firsthand experiences and perspectives to support you in making an informed decision about your future in Denmark.
Before we dive into the insights, here are some friendly facts about Denmark and Copenhagen's diverse population:
🇩🇰 Copenhagen Demographics: According to the World Population Review, in 2024, just over 73% of Copenhagen's population is of Danish origin. However, the city is also home to a vibrant community of immigrants and descendants from various Western and non-Western nations, totalling 128,600 individuals. The most common countries of birth among immigrants include Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq, Poland, Germany, Morocco, and Sweden.
👥 Workforce Statistics: According to Statista, by 2022, there were 187,000 foreign female workers and 293,000 foreign male workers in Denmark. The highest number of foreign full-time employees were from Poland.
As you see, Denmark, and specifically the capital region, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a multicultural environment. If you consider joining this dynamic community and exploring the possibilities that await you in this beautiful country, let's explore some insights to help you navigate your new professional environment as an Atypical Career Professional moving to Denmark.
🌟 Work Culture: In Denmark, workplaces often embrace an egalitarian approach. This means that encouraging a sense of equality and autonomy among team members is crucial for Danes. No one addresses each other by title in an office setting; instead, everyone, even upper management, sits together in an open room. For them, it's critical to work in a setting where management empowers and allows access to superiors. Generally speaking, work attire is casual. It is not well appreciated to brag. Danes value your work's value proposition more than your possessions or attire.
🌍 Diversity and inclusion: Individualism is valued and being oneself is encouraged in workplaces. This typically entails being regarded as a member of the team, regardless of your role. A couple of my network mentioned have experienced subtle anti-foreign attitudes at work. However, they say it is highly rare and discouraged. On the other hand, unless your organization is large or worldwide, you might not see a lot of foreign employees. Language plays a central and important role here. Fluent Danish or one of the Scandinavian languages is commonly required. The good news is that we can catch up on this skill. Danish language instruction is free of charge for any foreign national holding a valid residency permit in Denmark, provided their municipality covers the costs.
🤝 Communication and Collaboration: Regardless of your place in the hierarchy, Danes value communication and expect you to voice your ideas. Curiosity is promoted in Danes from a very young age. They might then seem to enjoy asking what may seem like an excessive amount of questions. However, it originates from here. As a result, they inspire others to be inquisitive and ask questions without fear.
Danes rely a lot on trust since they are strong individualists. It is rare to micromanage. Their preference is for you to turn in your tasks on time and with high quality. They value the proactive approach to learning and decision-making that you take, as well as your promptness in voicing concerns to steer clear of sticky circumstances. Since managers like to reach a consensus, this could delay making a final decision. Generally speaking, compromise and negotiation are used to resolve conflicts.
👥 Interpersonal interactions: As they have a natural way of growing that encourages independence and being resourceful, small talk is kept to a minimum, and you do not need to create relationships first. Establishing a business relationship with the Danes is rather easy in that sense, but developing deeper friendships is more difficult. You are not necessarily buddies with your coworkers just because you get along well and work closely with them. For foreigners, outside interests are more often the foundation of friendships. Nonetheless, social events are frequent and offer chances to interact with coworkers both within and outside of the workplace.
📈 Career Growth and Feedback: Getting promoted in Denmark can be challenging due to the flat hierarchy. Regarding constructive criticism in work, Danes are known for their direct communication style. Danish humor is known for its sarcasm, which could affect their foreign colleague's interpretation of their message. Nonetheless, the majority of Danish leaders employ less direct language and more diplomatic tone when providing unfavorable comments in person. Additionally, Danes managers are more likely to publicly recognise teamwork than individual accomplishment. Therefore, in Danish organizations, giving positive comments one-on-one is usually safer for managers and staff. You might anticipate a realistic mindset that values perseverance and where it's acceptable to acknowledge when you don't know something.
💼 Professional Opportunities and Support: Networking is important for job seekers, and unions can offer valuable support, especially when reviewing employment contracts. Additionally, unions play a crucial role in addressing the nation's lack of employment security by providing support and advocating for workers' rights. A 37-hour work week is a highly popular sort of contract; and flexible work hours are frequently allowed. Because LinkedIn is a prominent platform for professional networking, let me assist you with keeping your profile current!
💬 Other Considerations: The primary strategies for securing job interviews include persistent job applications and, notably, networking. It's a common belief among foreigners that finding employment outside of Denmark is often quicker than within the country. Therefore, prioritize networking efforts to maximize your job search success. Lastly, get some knowledge regarding taxes in this nation. It could take some practice to understand Danish taxes. Additionally, keep in mind that your trailing spouse might also be required to pay Danish taxes on their worldwide income.
For more reflections on my experience living abroad, my work on self-awareness, and my perspective on career transitions, follow me on:
Reference sites: https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/copenhagen-population
Article written by Edith Escobedo
Photo by Adrian Cuj on Unsplash
Thanks for sharing your time with me!
Edith
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