Whether it’s Sweden, Denmark or Norway, these beautiful countries could offer you the perfect job role – and all the perks too.
Below, we’ve listed Astute’s top 6 reasons why you should consider working in Scandinavia.
Working in Scandinavia
1. Their work-life balance is ranked among the best in the world
Great value is placed on time off across Norway, Sweden and Denmark who all rank in the top 6 in Internation’s list of Countries with the best work-life balance.
Swedish and Danish workers are entitled to five weeks of holiday per year with most Norwegian employers offering this too.
Denmark is considered to have the healthiest work-life balance with an official work week of 37 hours and only 2% of employees regularly work very long hours.
The importance they place on getting the balance right is further highlighted when you consider that they quite often choose when they start their working day and can choose to work from home if they need to.
2. They look after their employees – and their families
As if work-life balance options weren’t enough, Sweden, Norway and Denmark have a culture that revolves around family life and children.
Sweden ensures its employees get the time they need by offering 18 months paid parental leave per child with job security upon return to work.
In addition, most Swedish employers are flexible when it comes to children’s sickness.
Most will offer 80% pay when an employee needs to stay home with a sick dependent under the age of 12.
Work permit regulations for migrants in Sweden can also include residence permits for your spouse (including common-law and registered partners) and unmarried children under 21.
Their inclusive welfare system gives comprehensive social benefits including healthcare, childcare and education.
Likewise, Denmark hand over a large percentage of their income in taxes which goes to education, healthcare, infrastructure and free cultural activities.
Norway has become world famous for creating family-friendly living conditions where quality homes are made with the highest of standards.
It’s also estimated that the Norwegian Government spends more than 6.6% of its GDP on education which is one of the highest in the world.
In return, it ensures college and University education free of charge.
3. They offer an enviable and varied cultural experience
For such a small country, Norway has an incredibly rich and varied art scene whilst also boasting international music festivals that attract renowned performers from around the world.
From The Abba Museum in Stockholm to the Gothenburg Opera House, Sweden also has plenty to offer.
It also holds a nation-wide event called the Midsummer Festival which is considered as important as the Christmas Festival.
Across the Oresund Bridge to Denmark, you’ll find a landscape dotted with reminders of its well-renowned Viking past.
4. Their landscape and climate allows for a varied activities list
A Norwegian proverb claims that Norwegians are born with skis on their feet.
Cross-country is a firm-favourite but extreme sports are becoming increasingly more popular.
Free-skiing, kiteboarding, mountain bike racing and rock climbing are very accessible to the Norwegian population.
Over in Sweden, it’s estimated that about half of the population is active in a range of sports, from handball, golf, football athletics or gymnastics.
Likewise, the Danes enjoy a diverse range of sports, from the national sport of football through to sailing, badminton, ice hockey and swimming.
Denmark is also a nation of cyclists.
They will use the extensive networks of bike lanes and highways in any type of weather at any time of the day!
5. They have scenery to take your breath away
From stunning chalk cliffs at Denmark’s Mons Klint to the fairy tale town of Jokkmokk in Lapland Sweden, you’ll not be short of beautiful scenery.
Picturesque medieval towns, amazing natural landscapes and snowy mountain resorts are dotted across these countries allowing you plenty of places to explore during your time off.
6. Their overall well-being and happiness is amongst the best in the world
It will come as no surprise that Scandinavians are ranked amongst the happiest workers in the world.
According to the 2018 World Happiness Report, Norway, Denmark and Sweden rank in the top 10 of the happiest places to live according to migrants surveyed.
After reading all of this, is it any surprise working in Scandinavia is such a draw?
