American Reacts 5 reasons why working in Denmark is better
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- American Guy Reacts to 5 reasons why working in Denmark is better
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Many American citizens believe they are free. But as a Dane with a 37-hour work week, have to take 5 weeks holiday a year (paid), can take the 6 weeks (paid) or choose and get that week paid, good salary and free of medical bills, allows me to travel world. How many of the "free Americans" can do that?
The unemployment rate in Denmark is currently 2.5% - so no, people aren’t taking advantage of the system.
There will always be people taking advantage of the system, but it's negligible, because working conditions are much better in denmark. Get those unions up and running. It's the only way you can fight back against those greedy coorporations.
Dane here, there are definitely people taking advantage of the system, a guy even got famous for refusing to work and still taking money from the state, hes called dovne robert (Lazy robert)
Also, there is a difference between "taking advantage of" and "making use of" - some people (myself included, being mentally ill) genuinely need the support, and cannot function in a daily job - though it is my hope to find a way to contribute in a meaningful way despite my mental issues (perhaps working a reduced amount of hours, receive specialized assistance, or work from home), I am grateful to my country for being willing to support me enough, that I can eat healthy, have a roof over my head, have a proper education, and get medical treatment as needed (including the therapy and medication I need, not just to function, but to actually have a high quality of life).
I have no doubt, that had I been born in USA, I would be living on the streets - or not living at all.
@@LadyDoomsinger How are you able to live for yourself, go to school and even type this fine but too mentally ill to work?
@Brian No. You think I've just been living comfortably on government support? I've tried - they've tried. Part of the program is to ease a person back into the job market, if possible - and I've tried a variety of jobs and educations - of varying skill levels. The end result has always been the same: a mental breakdown.
The USA is filled with people, like me, who because of mental illness - or other problems (addiction, lack of qualifications, or even just bad luck) are forced to live on the streets, because there is no safety net to catch them - many of which are trapped like this, because there is no system to help them when they need it, and ease them back on the job market.
Which is better? Leaving millions of people to fend for themselves on the streets, because one or two of them "might" discover, that they can overcome their issue, for a short time, if they are desperate enough.
Or giving such people a roof over their head and food to eat, and help them back into the job market in a way that is both palatable to them and will last long-term.
Not to mention, for a person with mental issues, living on the streets will only exacerbate existing problems, making it even more unlikely to ever "get back up" and into the job market.
And let's not even begin to discuss the issue of healthcare expenses for the mentally ill - because when someone is struggling to function enough to even get a job, obviously (NOT!) the best way to help them get into the job market, is to deny them the medicine they need to deal with their illness.
A danish company just told that from now on their employees will get pay for a 37 hour work week but only work 32 hours so they can get every friday off.. this after trying it for 2 years where they found that not only did they not loose money on this method but productivity was up so they actually got more out of it, plus their workers was happier… work/life balance for the win
This is exactly what happens when people are paid for the profit they generate, rather than the amount of hours it takes them to generate it. It also incentivizes employees to improve their skills because if you can be more efficient, then you get off earlier and have more free time. You're not struck down for working fewer hours, if the net outcome of your work is the same. It's truly a no-brainer, and so far we have still not found the bottom line for how few hours are actually needed to provide solid base value for a company.
We have however found the upper line, which is where mental health issues, stress, and fatigue kicks in hard. Where a liter of coffee is needed just to make it through the day. Where people spend more time working than living. And somehow, this is still the accepted standard in many supposedly "1st world countries"
@@Real_MisterSir I spoke with my doctor a while ago due to working towards flexjob, he stated, that humans shouldn't actually work much more than 15-20 hours weekly in general, because after that point we lose too much efficiency.
@@thecommander9137 I thoroughly believe that in 50 years or so, we will look back at the early 2000s and think "how could anyone force themselves to work more than a couple hours per day?"
@@Real_MisterSir I don't think so, I think that in 50 years, we'll think "I wish we could work more." as humans we generally do want to work, we want to use our abilities for something beneficial, especially men who put stock upon their ability to provide for families.
@@thecommander9137 At that point I think the definition of work may also change. Everyone seeks meaning in what they spend their life on, this will never go away. When I think "work more than a couple of hours per day", I specifically think of the kind of work that is just being done in order to fulfil a time quota, work to survive, cover your basic needs, your baseline security of living. So in that sense, the amount of work hours that are strictly required to meet the actual productivity needs is what'd go down. Then on top the extra hours become attached to personal desires, such as the desire to compete, the desire to strive for increased wealth, the desire to expand your work into a hobby rather than the other way around, and so on. Maybe on average people will still work 8 hours a day, but then 6 of those hours would be in line with their own preference, not just their job position's mandated requirements.
The thing with work requirements today, is that very few people actually ever have the chance in life to sit down and think "what do I actually want to spend the majority of my life on?". One can only imagine how society would evolve, once it becomes the norm to pursue personal meaning as a main objective in life, rather than it being secondary to "work so you can survive" aspect that is currently present.
So I definitely agree people will want to work more than a couple of hours per day, but the shift is that the majority of those hours will be out of their own desire and planning, not some generic clock-in-and-act-like-you're-productive kind of hours.
I think the difference between the US and a lot of European Countries (I'm Belgian btw) is that in the US you live to work and over here you work to live.
I’ve lived in US for 4 years.. and I gotta say that Danish food is way than US food in general except for stuff like steaks and doughnuts… and Danish food (together with Swedish, French and Dutch) is supposedly the closest to the natural product as possible… my parents have moved to Belgium because of work, and I did visit them like 2 months ago… and your guys’ food are absolutely fantastic! Everything taste just a bit better and an amazing cuisine and the beer is to die for! I’ve been to France like 7-8 times and it baffles me, when I hear people speaking French are so approachable, open minded and friendly.
- and yea in US, many are at their work almost the entire day. They don’t necessarily do anything, sometimes they can be off for 3 hours out eating lunch and playing golf etc. and if you’re lucky, hard effective work is only within the scope of an hour some places. Work also has a dampen impact on status in EU in general in contrast to US… and I wouldn’t like that it’s my job that has the leverage about my family and I’s insurance either. That can really bust your ass, if you’re not careful.
@@Christian_Bagger As someone who is Dutch and French. It baffles me you like Dutch, Swedish and Danish food. Northern European food has a pretty bad reputation. French and Italian food is next level tho.
@@Googlium I said I considered Danish food to be better than US, and that Dutch, French, Swedish and Danish is on top of the list in regards of processed the food is, and the food is as close to be as pure as possible. Think if if you buy a burger from McDonald’s in US the patties aren’t made out of 100% meat… and speaking of like the every day food from groceries or just something from a 7eleven, in Denmark or France it’s 100% times better than US… but we can’t beat them in Stakes. But yea, on the top of cuisine in the world it’s probably Italy. I know in Denmark we’ve the holder of the world’s best restaurant, Noma, and it has won that title like 3 or 4 times previously and there’s more restaurants that’s up on the ladder as well. I think where the cons are, at the price tag relative to what you get. It’s small portions and it’s expensive. The waiters are not really customer friendly, but you don’t tip them either. Also that we haven’t invented free refill here in Europe is a god damn sin! Also Americans often mistakes Danes for being Dutch. Got it all the time.. but yea French and Italian is the top of the crop ofc. I think Belgian is really solid as well. I was really impressed.
Totally agree! I work, so I can afford not to 😎 ! Wow you Belgians and we Danes have a lot in common 👍 👍👍 !!!
@@KHValby We do yes, and i love Denmark btw. Had a short stay there before venturing into a roadtrip through Sweden and Norway some years ago. We are all much alike but enough differences to keep it interesting. ;)
About a year ago 500 danish workers left the factory early Friday morning bc they were fed up with the way the boss spoke to them. Monday morning they came back, and the boss had undergone a personality change over the weekend. Strikes can work miracles 🤣
Two words to explain why it is like this in Denmark: *Strong Unions*
In Denmark there is no government mandated minimum wage. That is set by negotiations between workers unions and employers unions. Only in the situation where the unions can't agree does the government step in and force a settlement but that is quite rare as it isn't a very popular solution for the government. I'd recommend to give the video titled "How Denmark defeated McDonald's" a look to get a perspective on how powerful Danish worker unions are.
Edit: My bad. The suggested video is called "How Denmark took down McDonalds"
Yes, the danish companies didn't come to the conclusions mentioned in this video, from the godness og their heart.
I on
Same here in Finland. That is why we oppose the mandated minimum wage EU is suggesting as it does not jive well with the system we have established here.
@@E_Dtl They did and do because it is much better for business to have a confident ralation to your workforce.
@@steffenb.jrgensen2014 Not arguing that companys to day see the value, but I doubt they would have come this conclussion, without the "help" from an organized workforce
Hey first viewer from Sweden wishing you the best on your journey to move to Europe. Hearing how it is in America I feel so privileged and blessed to live in a country with similar views, laws and standards as our neighbor Denmark.
I remember a local newspaper article from a decade or more ago. It was by an American expat who used to work in some kind of business think tank as I recall. Essentially his point were: If you want to live the American Dream - move to Denmark. Mainly because there is open access to education, actual social mobility and a social security system that favours starting your own business without risking the fate your entire family in the process. As an added bonus you’ll have more or less free health care as well, so you are not tied down by any company deals about that, it’s a matter between the state and the citizens.
As an American living in the Netherlands, I can attest to the difference in mindset and how indoctrinated many Americans are. I've been lucky enough to have lived in the Netherlands for most my life and the more I learn, the more I love being here!
Charlie, if you ever make it to the Netherlands, hit me up. I live in the south as well (near Eindhoven) and have a very large social circle that I could introduce you to.
Ps. My personal top 3 beautiful cities in the Netherlands are, Maastricht, 's-Hertogenbosch & Utrecht. If you choose any of those three to settle in Charlie, you're golden. ;)
“Indoctrinated” that’s because our education system is literally only meant to shape us into working slaves
@@Ah_Yote how would studying engineering or computer science indoctrinate you to be a working slave? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@fatherson5907 the hours you have to work, you’re still living to work, probably making what was decent money but quickly becoming not so much in this economy as we’ve reached record high inflation, it’s really not rocket science and requires zero critical thinking skills, get your trolling level up bro
@@Ah_Yote if you had any clue what you were talking about, you’d know that inflation in the EU is also very high, and their currency is dropping like a rock (good). Educate yourself, victim boy.
Wahhhhhhhhhh. Wahhhhhhhhhh. You act like a little kid, crying because you’re too weak to make it on your own. Such a victim 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@fatherson5907 It's not the study of engineering or computer science, it's everything else.
On a grand scale, societies teach you as much as you parents or your school.
In the US, it's seen as utterly normal by society to work some unpaid overtime - the outrage usually happens when it's too much.
In the US, it's seen as utterly normal to not have worker's unions.
In the US, it's seen as utterly normal for some people to have to work multiple jobs to be able to pay their bills.
In the US, it's seen as utterly normal for people in their 20s, 30s and 40s to have little time for other things than work.
This are values that are taught by society, not a class in university.
And I'm very much aware that not everyone subscribes to those values, but the society overall does - otherwise it wouldn't continue to follow those principles.
I love your curiosity and open mind to the world... and it seems to life in general. I will cheer for your future move to Holland! Best wishes from Denmark:)
Funfact from scandinavia: if u tell your boss that u dont feel "workhapiness" in your job. They must try to help u find "workhapiness". Often that can be giving other tasks if possible, or getting helpfull equipment, or just structuring the day to suit u better. They must follow up until u feel "workhapiness"....since it is considered healt beneficial to be happy at work😊 and being unhappy is bad for the healt..
Funfact: This comment is not a funfact.
It’s a lie.
Never has a Danish employer been obligated to make sure, that their employees feel “worhappiness”.
Sure, some companies may have their own policy on this.
But nobody “must try to help you find “workhappiness””.
I was born in the states and I am married with a danish woman. I have been to Denmark twice and I have seen how drastically different the way the government treat their citizens. The US have created this facade of being the best country in the world. I’ve realized that it’s just not the case. Free health care, free education (also the government paying students a wage to actually go to school), work/life balance. The US has a lot to learn. I appreciate your open mind( unlike a lot of Americans) and if you have the opportunity to visit Denmark I believe you will love it. Keep doing what you do brother
No such thing as free healthcare, no such thing as free education. DK is a scam. A nation with the highest average household debt in the world, where the government takes all of your money and the people are so uneducated that they cheer when they get crumbs in return.
A sewer of poverty, racism, debt, and ignorance - that’s DK.
americans only tnink tax cuts
Americans need to vote (the right place), be in a union and accept high taxes.
Danes build this system through the last 175 years (aprox)
Correction: If you quit your job voluntarily without a valid reason or refuse to take an offered job or to fullfill your obligations as an unempoyed (job seeking, courses etc.) you get a 3-week quarantine without any support. And if you do it twice in 12 months you loose your support entirely. Also, the support is as mentioned 90% of your recent salary, but there is an upper limit. So, if you were well paid before you do not get 90%.but a lot less. But the rest of the video is true - Denmark is great.
If you fall out of the unemployment system - at the latest after two years - you still get a basic social security aid which is really not much. But you can still live a decent, but modest life with a roof over your head (maybe a small appartment, maybe a rented room with access to bathroom and kitchen), electricity, internet, cell phone, heating, clean water, relatively healthy food ... and of course health care (which is free for everybody). The authorities will still try to get you back in work so you do have some obligations with regard to job hunting etc. But unless you really blows your life with addiction or alike or are totally unresponsible. you can always feel pretty secure about your next meal.
Also, it's not a free safety net. The two years benefits are only for people paying a monthly rate while working. So you actually pay for that service, hopefully never needing it.
@@Darveolsen Correct - unemployment support is a kind of insurance you pay for (and you get a tax deduction for the fee). But unlike a private insurance the government also pays part of the unemployment support. So you get more (in average) than you pay when signing up to this insurance.
However, we do pay a lot of taxes in Denmark, so the social security net is paid for. The big difference from USA is that in Denmark rich people pay relatively more in tax than poor people. So the inquality is less. and most people don't have to be afraid of homelessness and starvation.
@@lisegerdpedersen6461 Tbh the health care isn't free. It is paid for via the taxes.
@@shuntaro2408 it is free in the sense of not having to use your money at the Hospital nor doctor office .. to take an ambulance and so on so forth ... of course the money to pay for it is from taxes, and they are quite high in Denmark, but certainly not a bad way to run things. in my mind atleast.
In Denmark we have the "11 hour rule". This means that you can't be called to work until at least 11 hours after you left the workplace*.
*There are exceptions, like if the company would go bankrupt if you don't help out etc.
Ah yes. The 11 hour rule. How often I have broken it xD
11 houers rule often broken.
@@Bagjo123 then you need to contact your union and Arbejdstilsynet. The 11 hour rule is not just a union agreement, it is law and any company breaking it regularly could face fines etc.
@@Bagjo123 then you need to speak up... Like wtf.
Speedlimits are often overlooked as well, but if a cop sees you, he will act.
Speak up...
@@Petrixxxxxxx it can be lowered to 8 hours in certain cases. But only with valid reason and only for a limited time
I live in denmark and my sons are danes everything this man said is right about Denmark. People are happy about working conditions.
Always welcome to "pop in" for a visit. Belgium is only a 10 hour drive to Denmark. You will definitely be cozy to the european style. Even though there are a difference from country and aeras.
Last year I had to stop my masters degree with only 2 months till graduation. Because of stress due to covid and all the online lectures.
While I was still ill and serverly stressed. I was at a job interview. I told my boss about my stress and she said "How can I help you?" A year later and she has been my rock helped me and my coworkers in a understaffed period and with a lot of stress and sickleaves due to covid. Never been at a place where we have been so much pressured and overworked. But our boss is open and talking to us. So we all can contribute to find and helping to a solution and that gives us a good workplace environment.
And Denemarken and dutch are good friends
ROFL!
What he said about Danish work environment was pretty much on spot - if anything its even more extreme (at least in big companys in DK).
Just to be sure - this is the Danish way and its not easiely copied over even here in europe (this works so well in DK because its widely and deeply rooted in danish culture)..
You see, what you said about payed unemployment - it would be abused in the US -> that just does not happen in DK (well at least not in a significant way) - it is just no way to treat your fellow danes. plus its considered fun and/or brainfood to work.
Anyways, I would imagine its hard, like really hard to work in DK if you are used to US conditions - you would need to relearn everything about working you ever knew. Sure its nice if your boss does make some suggestions but does not give orders. Just if your not used to it... not as easy as one might think, not even for Germans - and our system is not THAT far behind - but the cultural difference is extreme (I guess most Germans have no Idea how far ahead DK really is in that regard - I basically grew up in spitting range of the boarder and could not really grasp it until I was working there for some time).
Dane here. I quit my job and didn't even apply for unemployment pay; I had enough in my account that it was effectively two-month holiday I ended up having before starting my new job. Now, if I had ended up being unemployed for a long time, I might have taken it. Since I didn't really need it - had enough in my account to just burn through some savings - I figured I'd just do my own thing and not be a burden on the tax-payer money supposed to go to those who actually needed it.
And, at my new job, the old-timers who've been doing the job for 30+ years regularly overrule our boss' suggestions on things on the basis of "yeah, that's just a terrible idea," and while the boss might have more detailed questions to that objection, it's generally respected, because... well, don't try and teach your granny to suck eggs.
About "taking advantage". A lot of Americans would view it as "taking advantage of the system", when you use the system as intended. The entire point is to make it possible to quit your job, so if people quit their job fo a year of low-intensity work (sending bunk applications, or only accepting job offers with a very late start date), that's fine. It's the intended effect.
@@Pchlster you are not alone-
i´m danish to
I'm a single mom from Denmark. Our way of seeing it is that the child gets about a year with the parents. That year can be divided how you need. Usually both parents stay home for a while. Then they split the remaining time between them. The father gets some time and the mom gets some time. When the child is between six and twelve months they start in a kindergarden, where they are taken care of by well educated "pedagouges"
As a single mom i got a whole year at home with my son before i needed to go back.
PAID leave.
Yes. Paid leave.
@@KnittedSister 🙂👍🏻
The USA was once a country, many European nations looked up to. In a sense USA was what Europe is today. Progressive and a shinning beacon for everyone to aspire to. But at some point unbridled capitalism took over and mass shootings and a highly politicised and divided society has become the norm. In Denmark we use the term "amerikanske tilstande" meaning "American conditions" when describing situations where things have become FUBAR.
It’s funny how delusional you cowards are. You actually believe people look up to Europe? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You are absolutely brainwashed. The economy in your country is garbage. You have the highest average household debt of any nation in the world. You are in the top 3 countries for highest taxes. Your average net salary is $28k per year 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Absolutely nobody looks up to you cowards. You surrendered your entire homeland in four hours, and have been completely reliant on the US for 80+ years. Three generations and you cowards can’t stand on your own feet 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Only 34% of adults in DK have a university education.
Nobody looks up to you. We laugh at how brainwashed you cowards are. Whenever we see a cowardly man, we joke that they must be from Europe.
I don't think America was ever really as great as many of us (myself included) thought - its problems of poverty, rampant capitalism, poor workers conditions, expensive healthcare, and mass shootings have existed for a very long time; not to mention its history of slavery and racism (other countries aren't innocent on that account either, to be sure) - America just presented a really glamorous facade, aided by their economic growth, a booming entertainment industry, massive cultural exports, and not least of all, their victory over Nazi Germany in WW2; many in Europe came to see America as this beacon of freedom and prosperity in the world (especially when compared to the threat of the Soviet during the Cold War). This illusion of Greatness has lasted for generations, but now the illusion is started to crack, and more and more people are spotting the truth underneath: That America is a deeply flawed, deeply troubled nation, that for generations has refused to deal with or even acknowledge any of its many issues.
Yes, I heard "we don't want American conditions" most of my life. Not so much anymore since now it's all too obvious.
C'mon America! 💙
@@Finnec123 yet you spend all of your time obsessing over the US.
Why don’t you address you extreme obesity?
And you beg the US for vaccines, beg the Us for money, beg the US for defense.
Your grandparents surrendered their entire homeland in four hours like totally pathetic cowards. That is your legacy 🤣🤣🤣🤣
C’mon DK cowards!
@@LadyDoomsinger Couldn't have said it better...so I won't.
Of course you can take advantage of the Danish system. But you have to do active search on the job market, to receive benefits.
And you're not exactly floating in money on benefits. Yes, you can survive for some time (unlike in the US), but not long term based, unless you have a small rent, no car etc.
But there are plenty who still leech off the system. And personally I feel if they're foreign they should be deported.
Americans live to work - Danes work to live and (I) gladly pay taxes getting universal healthcare, free education, infrastructure etc. in return.
Danes' concept of "freedom" is impossible to compare with the American concept. Let me start by saying, that I and my fellow Danes are free as birds.
The American "freedom" concept is selfish loaded and a disaster for a democracy. It's all about "me, me, me". In e.g. Denmark "freedom" is bit more like "us together". Most of us know that freedom comes with responsibilities. Americans take it for granted.
Sadly, most Americans aren't able to travel and explore other kinds of cultures and ways of living. And it seems like the American education system is a long way from focusing on the world outside the US.
Thanks for doing this reaction video. Make sure to spread the word to your colleagues, family and friends.
Don’t you ever give up! Keep living your dream and make it real. Holland needs you😁👍🏻 Love from Denmark.
When I went to South Korea and met up with an old internet friend of mine, we started to talk about work and how her partner was basically working himself into an early grave. I was shocked. He worked 6 days a week, 120 hours/day. 2 vacation days per year except public holidays. South Koreans also have a word for "death by overwork" (Gwarosa). Coming from Sweden I almost felt ashamed of how privileged I was. I have been working 38h/week. 6 weeks of paid vacation. Nowadays, since I live in a cheap studio apartment and I don't buy anything else but food so I only need to work 20 hours per month to earn my upkeep. But that's not typical Swedish. It's more of a minimalistic lifestyle in which I want to pursue passion projects instead of working all the time just to buy unnecessary consumer goods.
To you conclusion in the end. All I can say is that growing up, no one had to tell me over and over again that Denmark was the greatest country in the world.
The ways we are in the top, is plainly obvious. And our flaws need to be explored and bettered. If someone tries to convince you everything is perfectly fine, that's when you need to look deeper.
Here in Denmark we also say God arbejdslyst, which translates into Good work pleasure. We use it as a greeting when people are about to go to work.
I think a better way to translate it might be "have fun working" or "I hope you have a good time working" to better convey the meaning.
I’m so happy that I’ve been born here 🇩🇰
just recently visited Denmark for a weekend break and it was one of nicest places I’ve been to, you can tell people (generally speaking) are happy
Just to clarify: If you quit your job yourself, this usually incurs a 6 week ban before you can receive said unemployment benefits. Also, if you can't prove that you're actively looking for work, you lose your benefits.
True!
it has been changed to three weeks - I was in that situation this winter :)
@@hannehjmark894 Well, 3 weeks, then. Thanks for the update.
Great video.
All of this pretty much applies to all the nordic countries, just so you know.
Greetings from Sweden.
That's true.
Greetings from Denmark. 🇩🇰
Great video! But he forgot to tell, that the 5-6 weeks of vacation is not only paid - you get 1,5 % extra sallery each year for these weeks, so you have extra money for your holiday! ;-)
If you are paid by the month, if you are paid by the hour, it is 12.5% on top of your salary, but then you do NOT get paid when on holliday
I'm from Denmark.
You were concerned that people might take advantage of the 2 year paid unemployment... The truth is that most Danish people recognize that having NOTHING to do is worse than having a job. That is, if you are perfectly healthy. Do we have those that take advantage of the system? Probably. Are there many? I'd venture a guess and say no.
You are more than welcome in Europe. We want people who like our culture and want to be a part of it. I'm not saying you have to completely lay behind all cultural norms. Make an educated decision on each and adopt what fits. As long as you can live with these simple rules: You need to be for democracy, against coruption and you have to not dictate how others live their lives when it does not affect you.
I think you'd really enjoy Michael Moore's movie "Where To Invade Next?". In it he travels through Europe and in each country he shows an idea he thinks the US should steal, like the prison system in Norway, the healthy and free meals in schools in France, and so on.
I am from Denmark, and i was actualy thinking about moving to America. But after doing a lot of research, i could see that my quality of live in general would be way below the standard i am use to. I would have do downgrade on so many levels, so it's a absolute no go. In Denmark we have free education, free healthcare, if you need medicine, it only cost a fraction of what it will cost in America, anf if you have a chronic desease, then the medicine is almost free. Not to mention the topics about work etc that are mentioned in the video. America make great movies, and it's a interesting country to explore. But the general system is realy below any standard that i know..sad but true
I would like to clarify unemployment benefits. First of all, you have to have a full-time job for at least a year and pay for an insurance called the a-kasse. You can get up to 90% of your salary, but there is a maximum of how much money you can get. Someone who used to earn 100000 a month won't get more in unemployment benefits, than someone who earned 25000 a month. If you quit on your own there is a waiting period of 3 weeks. About taking advantage of unemployment benefits. When you lose your job you have to contact something called The Job Center. In order to get unemployment benefits, you have to be available for work. You have to apply for at least two jobs a week and be able to prove it. You have to show up for meetings. You may have to take some courses or do business practice. If they find a job for you, you have to take it. In refusing any of this they will take away some of your benefits, even for missing a meeting.
UK was third on that list of lowest working hours, I work 7.5 hours a day here, and that includes comfort breaks as I sit as a desk with 2 screens, I get 32 days paid holiday a year, with some extra ones thrown in for company days out and things. The work life balance means when I am at work, I focus, so my company gets more out of me than making me sit here for 9 hours till I'm tired and unproductive, on top of being able to work from home, I find work is the thing that seems to take up the least of my life.
I think any company who through their policy makes you work more hours in a day than not, should be punished and shut down. Also, I would rather have a small number of people claim benefits they are not entitled to, that not provide them to that vast majority that are, benefit fraud in countries like the UK is tiny.
aah yes im never leaving denmark.. ever
Not even on holiday?
*As a Dane, I can tell you that if you lose your job, "you only get 90% of the salary in the job/position in question" and only if you are enrolled in an A-kasse, which is a form of insurance, where you pay an amount every month. However, you can only receive a maximum of DKK 20,359 per month, and then have to pay tax.*
*If you resign your position yourself, you will be quarantined for 3 weeks. “So in the 3 weeks you get DKK 0,-.”*
6:17 "Low power distance": He means a flat hierarchical structure. In a steep hierarchy, you don't ask questions or pass on vital information, because you're expected to appear infallible to your underlings and unquestioningly loyal to your superiors. In a flat structure, you get some sort of description of the end result you're going for, and you get there in an order of play and by whatever method you (and whomever you're working with) deem best.
My first time checking in here, very good video really enjoyed it
We have been there several times, on vacation. And I also helped build this holidaypark.Wy have also stat in 1 of the 2 penthouses of the park .Greetings from Spakenburg The Netherlands, Gerben T and Gabriëlle.
Glad to see that your channel is really gaining some traction
He forgot to say, that the 6 weeks of vacation plus holidays is with full salary and that goes if you get sick too even for weeks.
You do not loose your job, if you break a leg, like I once did and did not work for five months.
And it is forbidden to fire a woman, if she gets pregnant.
And yes the structure between leaders and employes is very flat and mostly very friendly, but you are expected to be responsibel. Unless you ask for help or guidence, you are not told what to do. You are expected to know your job and do it the way you find best and suits you as well as the compagny.
In a way you very often are your own daily leader and that's very satisfying.
In Canada I think that unemployment insurance is 80% for 18 - 24 months and of course the healthcare is public. In Switzerland, I think it is also 80% for 18 months. If you quit your job, you could have a penalty where you lose 2-3 months of benefits.
Some people does take advantage of the benefits, but it is mostly people from abroad. If you are a dane you take pride in working and supporting both your family and the community.
When you wakes up and thininking: exited to going to work. You will understant.
Sorry of my bad englidh.
The best work hours I've ever ad in Denmark, was 2x12 hours in even weeks, and 3x12 hours in uneven weeks.
And granted, this was the night shift, but it always suited me to work evening- or night shifts.
When I worked the weekend shift at Maersk Container Industry back in the day, I worked 2x12 hours every weekend.
And we would be more efficient than the other shifts, as we would produce 50% compared to the others, but with 33% of tthe staff. (less downtime pr. reefer)
24 hours work = 37 hours pay. And I had the perfect excuse not to attend to family gatherings "because work". :)
The fun only lasted about 15 months though, as orders were dwindling, and I was forced over to the evening shift, which made me quit at the summer holliday and start on another education (technical designer).
One of my wife's nieces got a scholarship this year and she wanted to study in The Netherlands. I recommended studying in Denmark instead. Same level of quality and no housing crisis. She's been to The Netherlands in the meantime and saw the difference. She's happy in Copenhagen.
It can be extremely stressful to not have a job in Denmark, going to meetings proving you are looking for all the jobs remotely fitting you and applying. Some are taking advantage of the system, but not to the extend, that it all breaks down, but there are reports of criminals getting benefits, living in luxury driving expensive cars and such. I quit my job January 1st 2021 after almost 9 years because of stress. Got 10 hours of work right away, was on part time benefits, for a month and quit them because it was stressful. I was lucky, I got a part time job in a vaccine center 10 days later to a total of 25-30 hours a week. There are several stories in Danish media about job centres totally breaking down people, and not helping them get a job at all. If you have mental problems, or something like severe back pain, going through years of job training and testing is not uncommon. Taking meaningless courses or repeating courses, because you are required, makes unemployed Danes feel hopeless. Also if your partner has a well payed job, it counts towards your long time benefits, which are lower than those 90%.
People from US have been learned from early days that they are the best. the rest of the world is communist or socialist. work freedom, free healthcare and education. Happy to see that americans are opening their eyes, and see that something is better in the rest of the world
Giving all of your money to the government in return for scraps isn’t better. It’s just cowardice - something that Europeans and Brits embody.
Everything in this video is true. But there are also soooo many other 'benefits' that didnt get mentioned. I'm an American who moved to Denmark 12 years ago. I literally have no desire to move back to the U.S. We have it really really really good here.
You’re a racist who prefers living in a bigoted country. Nothing more to it.
Also, do keep in mind, here in Denmark we have one of, if not the highest taxation in the world. That is a bit part of the reason we have liberty in our jobs. With that being said, paying up to or over 50% of your salary, is not fun when living expenses (groceries, rent, etc.) are also some of the highest.
You're such a nice person! Honestly! Watching your videos just... it's just really nice and calm and.. using a Danish word "bekræftende" which means... confirming? Making you feel good about yourself? Does that even make sense? XD
I hope when you move to the Netherladns, you'll consider visiting Denmark some time ;)
about the unemployment benefit-what he is talking about is insurance , in Denmark you can get a work insurance where you pay monthly between 90 dollars and 300 dollars(higher wage jobs pay most) then you can get up to 90% (most get less) you don't get it for 2 years as the pay decrease over the 2 years , if you quit your job, you get a 6 weeks penalty from getting the payment --people who don't have insurance can only get economic help if they don't own an apartment/ house and don't have savings and then the payment is much much lower
Denmark is probably one of the best countries to live in for many reason. This is largely down to the fact that there are only about 5 million people there and they have a good work ethic. Also they are not overly materialistic so do not feel the need to work all the hours God sends. They would rather spend time chilling in their summer houses which are basic but cosy and easily attained as Denmark is nearly totally surrounded by the sea. There is not the class culture either so noone cares what the Joness next door have or do.
not really accurate... we are just a smaller version of similar varieties as anyone else... we got our obnoxious richkids and immigrant gangsters, soccerloving families and groups of hooligans etc... we even have the country divided into islands, regions and cities with their own political parties elected etc just like america has its states and so on... what is different is the way we tax ppl and how our government finances and controls things to benefit the public and not buisness lobbyists... a dash of dangerous socialism in our capitalist economy...
Greetings from Denmark.. 👍😊
What you are saying in the last 30 sec. of the video is, standing outside looking in on what's happening in the US, so true! Just because the majority thinks differently, doesn't make you wrong. I'm watching this two years after it went on, so maybe you have already moved to Europe? We'd like to have you here, but still I hope there would be more with your viewpoint staying in the US trying to make things better. Greatings from Denmark
I'm Danish, and the reason is we have all the benefits, is because we have one of the highest taxes in the world. The only way to make our economic security possible. I'm more than happy to pay my taxes to keep my country happy, healthy and safe.
I feel the same way, and in the end if we take all the extra costs Americans have to take out of their pay, that is paid with taxes in Denmark, we end up with a similar amount that is taken out of the pay. You can watch the video of the American family in Denmark, Travelin' Young, where they explain the taxes.The video is called "A Very Basic Look at Taxes - Between Denmark and USA". I was surprised to see that how much extra money the Americans have to take out of their pay.
@@inesh7555 I'm aware of the low wages in the USA, and how hard you have to work, sometimes two or three jobs at the time just to make ends meet. And my heart is breaking for you. It's not fair. Our wages are made to insure that we are able to pay our bills and not worry about putting food on the table. I hope that one day, you can have the same benefits and financial security as we do. My wishes and prayers goes to you. Have a wonderful day .
Same in the Netherlands depending how long you work for a company it is 90 % for 2 years
Reason 3, is a good thing, but also very simplified. If you quit your job, you get a 3 week period without pay, and during the 2 years, you can collect the benefits, there are different demands of you, mandatory meetings at a jobcenter, and demands to write x amount of job application pr week. And to be able to get this benefit, you need to have a year’s employment, and pay to what vi call A-kassen, at the same time. But it is still a great safety net, and if you don’t qualify for this benefit, there is still a social network, giving you an income, that is lower, and harder to live on, but still a good safety net.
In addition. One special thing about scandinavia is that you often don't need to write contracts. A researcher has calculated, that danes - each year - save around 50 BN DKK (7.3 BN USD) in business due to lower transaction costs (in comparison to the US).
Basically: Because Denmark rank as one of the highest in TRUST there is less bureaucracy, law and paperwork when the job needs to get done.
Interesting fact: The researcher claims that it is due to the culture going all way back to the vikings and the "tinget". "Tinget was a special spot where everyone (not slaves) could bring up an issue and it was discussed and rules on fairly. Most often in scandinavia a word is a word.
World Economic Forum ranks Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands as the countries where people trust each other the most.
Im from Denmark and i love my job, and my boss is great! I actually only Work 18 hours a week, and live a happy life. Im far from rich, but im happy, and thats what matters to me. When i look at how rich some Americans are and how much of a gap there is from middleclass/poor to rich, it makes me sick to my stumach.
I know its near impossible to change America since they are a much bigger country with alot more responsabillities, and the people think higher tax = Bad, but surely they could come up with a much better system.
Why don’t you pay your defense bills? Instead of worrying about people thousands of miles away who are literally ensuring your pathetic country exists, fix your own failed nation.
You are the biggest cowards in the world.
Put in that extra work when it is needed. When you love your work. Relax a bit when it's not needed. 😉 Easy. And it works. 😊
the main reason the average work week for a full time job is 37 hours (Unless you hold a very high position)
is because here in Denmark we believe in being efficient and hard working.
Rather than working long hours, for the sake of working.
This overall increase production and motivation.
another thing he did not mention is the strength of our unions.
Got an abusive employer? You can start a case against them, and if they try to fire you in retaliation, they'll have to need the approval of the Companies HR section.
Whom don't want smoke from the Unions so there is no fear for retaliation of that manner.
and should you even get fired, the case will still continue to its end.
Basically there is a whole range of protections and rights for workers.
We will welcome you when you move here🤩🇩🇰
Thank you for this video, very appreciated, I would like to see more stuff. Love it.
I'm danish and i just gotta say, a lot of people work more then 37 hours a week, including my self
I hope millions of americans will see this video, it is really needed . This will Make America Great Again, notTrump
The low hours also tie in with the fact that people just get paid decently. We don't have a minimum wage, but we have strong unions and a societal expectation for companies to pay their workers fairly. Jobs that are minimum-wage in the US, still pay enough to live decently here. People don't need to work extra hours or two jobs just to afford a place to live.
I have several friends who work part-time positions in supermarkets while studying. The lowest hourly wage in the group is at 17.3 dollars. This is a very normal wage for a job with no requirement for higher education, such as being cashier in a supermarket.
We don't have to stress much about making enough money to pay the bills, so we actually have time to focus on education or spending time with family and friends. People here don't work just because it's the only way to survive or because of the hope of one day having the time and money to be happy, but because they can actually enjoy the life they have while working and not worry too much about losing their job.
Reason number 1 for why working in Demark is great:
The government has made laws that enforce propper represantation for the worker
Meaning: Unions are essentially more present and active than in the U.S.A
This ensures that every profession has a Union, or som form of represenation againts manipulative and or destructive workplace envirroments
Unions are regarded as important, and they have the abillity to heavily influence the state to push for new laws in favor of the workers demands and needs
This also means: The state listens to all workers (Represented by their unions)
If you quit you're job. You get a 5 week ban from benefits, and then they kick in. But you have to pay the first 5 weeks your self.
And in order t orecive benefits you need to make job applications each week. Or you lose your benefits.
This is really cool. Thank you for reminding me of my blessings in my work. I'm a school teacher in Danish Public school. Happy in my work, eventhough varied challenges are a constant. One small but important thing to know would be... If you choose to quit your job. You will get five weeks quarantine with no way to get paid. After five weeks and quite a bulk of official paper work to do etc. you will be secured echonomichally on certain conditions that you put in an effort to find your self a new job.
I'm pretty proud of Danish people in general being so well versed in the English language. Kids in schools are taught English from first grade. Wish you a lot of good luck in your goals. And do believe that true happiness is something you achieve through wise choices and a loving approach towards your fellow beings and your self + Dutch and Danish culture are closely related.
Hi, Kim from Denmark thinks you are on the right path. Good luck .👍
I live in Denmark. First, yes of course some take benefit of the system, but the number is very low. An official estimation is about 1.300 people out of 5.8 mio.
I once worked a place where I didn’t like to be. I told my boss I needed a day off to go to a job interview in a different town an hour drive away. He offered me a company car free of charge, that I didn’t have to spend my entire day traveling by train and busses.
In a different job I have had, one of the bosses I had always left work 4pm sharp, unless it was time for annual account, which for a few weeks would require overtime. He often said to the employees: “If you are not able to leave your work on scheduled time on a typical normal day, you are not good enough planning your job.” Yes, of course something unforeseen could happen, but this mentality encouraged people to not work overtime just to do so.
If a company have much overtime work, it’s usually due to lack of qualified employees.
We have a saying “You have to give before you take” connected to the belief that we are all responsible for having benefits such as free healthcare, free education, parental leave…… most danes are aware that paying our high taxes is the reason why we have these benefits. Some years ago we had a big discussion about “lazy Robert” the type who is freeloading on the back of everyone else. He is not a popular guy!
CharlieVest you did not have 2 hours of free time everyday, don't you have to eat, shower and clean/do the dishes, you had ZERO free time working 12 hours a day, that is inhuman torture. What did you earn in that period, hopefully about 6000 dollars a month after tax?
For 20 years I worked from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, a "15 minute break" at 10:00 am, an hours lunch taken at my discretion (1 hour anytime between 11:00 am-2:00 pm and a "15 minute break" at 3:00 pm. Sometimes on someone's birthday we had our own "Kaffee und Kuchen" at the 3:00 pm break. I was very lucky to have a job where I was given a chance to have breaks during the work day.
Hey Charlie, Danish guy here. From the things you said, it very much sounds like you are more likely to be happier over here. I wish you luck in your quest to come to Europe.
I'm from Denmark, and it's not quite so rosy, if you quit your job yourself, you get a 5 week quarantine without money and you have to apply for 2 jobs a week and be available for the Workmarket,
Individual thing, but I have 6 weeks of paid time off, free internet, free phone, free commute, high salary, 37 hour flexible work week and can work from home with paid lunch and lunchbreaks. This opposed to a high taxrate which enables free education, healthcare etc.
the part about you can quit and get paid is not the whole truth, IF you quit yourself you have to wait 30 days before the payment starts, but if you are fired it starts from day 1 :)
I’m from Paris and I move to Danemark for 26 years ago, I try both systems and yes, it’s a no brainier. Two point he didn’t mention. 1) your salary will always be pay in due time on the last opening day of the month, if the company don’t pay in time, it will cost them a severe amount of money per days. I believe it’s around 5000kr per day or approximately 900 dollars. The second point it’s about the incomes tax, yes it’s high, I never had problem with that, because the social welfare it’s impressive her. The Dane know that everybody might get sick at one point of their life or might become invalidated. No worry here, that’s won’t make you loose everything and end your life sleeping on a cardboard.
I can attest to that, because I am Danish.. and I am happy at my work..
Also, fast food employees don't get paid "minimum" vage, because they don't need to rely on tips from others, since that is not a thing in Denmark or in scandinavia. It makes a lot of young people less afraid of work.
There is paid parental leave for the father in denmark, can't remember how much, because theres resently been added to the amount of weeks
Well thank you Charlie - I love my country as well :)
Is there a hidden "but" comming - sure there is.
What you said is thrue. We danish are benefit from a strong worker union that over ages had granted us with not only five working days but also a very solid healtcare program. Working 8 hours with a paid of half an hour of lunch making our work day down to 7.5 hours daily (officially). Well you probaly need to be a working class hero to benefit from that. Most people are working a lot more than that. It is very common that we do at least 40 hours weekly (getting paid for 37,5) but If you really want a to keep your job you are more likely to work 50+ a week. I get up a 5 am arrive at 6:30 am and work to 5 pm. Frequnetly I add a couple more hours working from home between 8 pm to 10 pm. We Danish do like working :)
The unemployment he speaks of is not quite right. If you quit your self, you get i think its 1 or 2 months with no pay as a "penalty" - And do even get uemployment (At least the 90% thing he is talking about) - You do pay to an insurance each month, so some of the cost you do cover your self. That being said, its a great system overall.
We can even put the child outside and sleep because we Trust and no one is poor in the street.the government take Cares of you if your Sick or want a New job
You got the truth under your skin now😉 be more free, live the life you want, be safe, move over here ❤🇩🇰
Denmark is the lands of the gods,.... Greetings from Skandinavia Denmark 🇩🇰
I love my job (I am a teacher) because I have so much autonomy. But If I quit my job, I will NOT get 90% salary for two years. I will get appr. 40% for two years max. Thing is, most danes see the support as a security, when they want to change job, change direction or line of work, get fired, wants to go back to school, etc. Very few take advantage of it and most people get a new job quite quickly. I have quit a teaching job three times over the past 18 years, but I have always gotten a new job immediately and never gotten unemployment pay.
There is a clear correlation between loss of efficiency and working to many hours. The error rates goes up. Working efficiently is the key when at work.
What USA needs are proper unions and laws.
One thing to remember, regarding the unemployment benefit, is that you need to have worked an paid to the unemployment office for at least 1 year/1920 hours before you can get the benefit, but in general, it's very few people that exploit it, as most people prefer to have a job... also, the amount you can get is only up around 15.000 DKK/2.000 $ after taxes pr month, and the cost of living makes it so that amount is JUST enough to get by, for most people... and while you receive the benefit, you are obligated to apply minimum 2 jobs pr. week and attend a lot of meetings and course held by the unemployment office and the job center. so it's not just sitting on your butt and receive the big $$
Some take advantage of unemployment rules but as it’s not well looked upon it is rather self regulated. And you are generally high paid so we want worked rather than not.
To be fair, there is a dual work culture in Denmark.
People who live to work, like the man explained. Their job is part of their identity. It is who they are. Their work is their hobby.
People who work to live. They don't love their job, but it pays well, when they put in the hours and effort. Then they have enough resources to do what they really love. Usually some hobby or raising a family. This last group are usually (yet far from always) the lower paid jobs.
You can have a lawyer who really only care about his coin collection. And the garbage collector keenly aware that if they all stopped working. Society would break within a month.
You still see people who work their bodies into the ground. But with the re-education, and the free healthcare, they often get new, less tasking jobs within the same company. Or start their own, and hire workers.
And another thing that maybe he sould have mentioned in this video (maybe he is to old so not concerned, what do I know)... the education is not only free in Denmark, you actually get paid for going to uneversity (yes, like a salary from the state for getting a degree... it sounds unbelievable but it is true in Denmark). Sorry for the spelling, my keyboard changes all the time between swiis-german, swiss-french and french (yea, I have a "qwertzu" keyboard to try and keep up (3 official languages here in Luxembourg))
Hi from Copenhagen 🙃 I’m half American half Danish and I love it here. Hope your dream of moving to Europe comes true soon!
DK is a sewer.
@@fatherson5907 you’ve been?
@@studiogirl1967 several times
@@fatherson5907 what makes you say it’s a sewer?
@@studiogirl1967 the people
Dane here. The reason why our working environment is superior to a lot of other countries is mainly because of our taxes. We wouldn't be able to instate a year long paternity leave, offer up to 80% of your salary on unemployment or offer higher education for free if it wasn't for our taxes. I pay around 55% of my salary in taxes. That's not a bad thing tho imo. It offers a safety net that prevents anyone from hitting rock bottom. If you're unlucky - no problem we (the government) got you. If you fall sick to any kind of illness - no problem we got you. Only downside to all this is that a certain percentage of the population exploit the system. If you're basically a lazy Joe you can always find an excuse to cash you're welfare check year after year and since the welfare is so high the incentive to get a job and contribute to the system is non-existing to some.
Pretty sure that if you leave your job willingly, you dont get those umployment benefits for 3-4 weeks afterwards. Basically you're quarantined in that period, and then you'll receive the benefits. You need a valid reason to quit the job
The word “arbejdsglæde” (work happiness) was mentioned but we actually have one more that is typically Scandinavian. It’s very common to wish someone starting their workday “God arbejdslyst” - god = good, arbejd(e/s) = work and lyst = joy. So we wish that we may enjoy our workday.
If you quit your job, there’s a quarantine of 5 weeks, where you don’t get any support.