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Imagine working fewer hours, but still being highly productive—Denmark has proven it’s possible. With a 37-hour workweek, six weeks of paid vacation, and extensive parental leave, the Danes are masters of balancing life and work. Despite this, Denmark ranks among the world’s most productive nations. It’s not a coincidence that it also consistently scores as the happiest country in the world.
So, what can we learn from Denmark’s success? Brigid Schulte, in her book Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has The Time, explores how stress and overwork don’t equal success. In fact, research shows that being constantly busy harms your productivity. Overworking leads to health issues, burnout, and decreased efficiency.
Schulte suggests that working smarter involves:
Breaking up work into manageable bursts – Focus for no more than 90 minutes at a time, then take a break. Avoiding multitasking – It actually decreases productivity. Disconnecting after work – You need time to recharge. By embracing these practices, you can achieve more, enjoy life, and avoid the endless cycle of stress.
