For every employee Scandinavia is a paradise for working conditions, environment and equality. Promoting a flexible life has become a key issue here by respecting the person and setting rules that other European and non-European countries have not even considered. Here is some quick insight about the working conditions in Scandinavia. So, we totally encourage you to apply, apply and apply!



Norway

In Norway, there are limits in the Working Environment Act for normal working hours which are: 9 hours per 24 hours, 40 hours per week. If there is a need for overtime work, it also has limit which is 10 hours per week. When someone works overtime, he has the privilege to get paid more than 40% of the hourly pay.



Also, during your holiday leave, if it happens and you are sick, you can move some of the off days later in the year by showing medical certificate.



The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority is the responsible for checking working conditions and provides information to both employees and employers. The highest unemployment rate is approximately 4% and the lowest 2% in some cities.



When you work more than 5,5 hours per day, you have to take a break that is counted as working hours, as long as the employee does not leave the working place. Of great interest is the fact that when claiming for parental leave, parents can choose between 100% or 80% coverage and respectively can get either 49 or 59 weeks of leave, which is then distributed.



Visit http://www.lifeinnorway.net/jobs/ or https://anewlifeinnorway.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/norwegian-parental-benefits-vs-british-parental-benefits/ to find out more when you apply for jobs in Norway.

Denmark

The Danish labour market is well known for the flexibility and the security it offers, the “flexicurity” concept. For Danes, it is of vital importance to obtain balance between life and work and family remains always a priority. The below video summarizes the Danish status quo about working life:



Since Denmark is a progressive and liberal country, every employee is encouraged to express his opinion and everyone is equal. Flat structures and informality are the main characteristics in most of the jobs in Denmark. Furthermore, several social activities take place for employees to make them feel relaxed and get to know better with each other.



The working hours are 37 per week, with daily paid lunch breaks of 30 min. As far as parental leave is concerned, it is in total 52 weeks for both of the parents. Denmark is a country where maternity does not hinder the employment of women at all.

Check https://www.workindenmark.dk/ and http://www.jobsincopenhagen.com/ if you apply in Denmark.

Sweden

In Sweden, equality and freedom of speech are as in Denmark vital in the working environment. Working here is a matter of team-spirit and individual responsibility. In many offices there is a flexible timetable, where you can go and leave according to a schedule you choose, depending on your needs. One may have the possibility to work also from home, especially working mothers.



Working hours are set to be 40 per week by legislature and the overtime hours are paid 50%-100% of the normal salary. In 2015, the idea of 6-hour workday was introduced and has been applied to several organizations, with great results. However, it still remains on a teaser level.

Work-life balance is a priority in Sweden as well, as the Swedish working culture wants happy and satisfied employees. Don’t be surprised if your colleagues start leaving earlier to pick up their kids from school!



Parental leaves in Sweden are a great topic, as parents share 480 days off work, accepting 80% of their salary for the 390 of them and for the rest getting paid SEK 180 per day.



Another amazing habit of Swedes is having fika at the workplace. It takes place twice a day and this is the way for employees to socialize and have quick chats amongst them.



Visit EURES – European Job Mobility Portal (https://ec.europa.eu/eures/public/language-selection) , Stepstone.com (http://www.stepstone.com/) to check a list with vacancies at the moment.



Sources: http://www.arbeidstilsynet.no/fakta.html?tid=240065, https://www.nav.no/en/Home/Benefits+and+services/Relatert+informasjon/parental-benefit, https://www.workindenmark.dk/ , https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/Pages/Working-conditions-and-trade-unions-.aspx , http://www.oxfordresearch.dk/media/48201/451880-GuidetilExpats.pdf , http://work.sweden.se/living-in-sweden/swedish-business-culture/

