As Danes, we like to think of ourselves as informal and easy-going. But to expats, living and working in Denmark, the picture can be different. Some might even find us disrespectful and lazy.
In this presentation, I use my background as a historian to explain, how and why things work as they do on the Danish labour market specifically. But also why Danish culture and mentality has become like it is, in more general terms.
I try to go behind popular, and often stereotypical explanations. Instead I present some of the defining moments in Danish modern history, and some of the collective experiences, values and institutions they led to.
We will take a closer look at the Danish model of labour market relations: how it came into being, what it means, but especially how it has formed the Danish work-place culture. But we will also talk about other important issues, such as the possible connection between living in a very small country and the Danish propensity for irony. And how the welfare state has shaped gender relations and ideas about equality.
The presentation is first and foremost a helping hand to expats in Denmark, struggling to understand why Danes behave as we do. But it is also an informal and easy-going introduction to Danish history. And yes: There will be jokes!
Target group: Companies and organisations, who wants to facilitate their non-Danish employees or affiliates in better understanding Danish work culture specifically, and life in the Danish welfare state in general.