Milla Ovaska’s Post

What We Can Learn From The Happiest Country in the World. For the seventh year running Finland has just been declared the world’s happiest country by the World Happiness Report, launched in 2012 to promote the sustainable development goals of the United Nations (un). Those surveyed were asked to evaluate their lives on a scale of one to ten, with ten the highest. While Scandinavian countries as usual occupied the top spots, both America and Germany fell out of the top 20. Overall, European countries dominated the rankings; in particular, the Nordic countriesFinland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway all retained spots in the top 10. Read de full article or the report: https://lnkd.in/dPaJABVz.

Upon my arrival in #Denmark for my exchange at Aarhus BSS - Aarhus University, I was immediately struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere, which extended from the very moment I stepped into the airport. Instead of a sterile commercial ambiance, there was an unmistakable sense of being welcomed into a home away from home. Denmark's history is a testament to its enduring cultural heritage and its impact on the broader Scandinavian and European history. Denmark, with its rich history and unique cultural values, offers valuable management lessons that are deeply rooted in its past. As we explore these lessons, it becomes evident that Denmark's historical context has shaped its approach to management. 1. Make Trust a part of the Culture This is evident in the public transportation system. When I traveled by train around Copenhagen, I purchased a ticket but could simply board without the need for any gates or ticket inspections. There were no turnstiles or similar barriers in place. The reason is that the Danes have faith that people will act responsibly, leading to very few instances of system abuse. In fact, I assume that implementing controls in such a situation would incur more costs than the system would recover from potential abuse. 2. Accessibility & Inclusivity Denmark's public system is highly accessible and inclusive, offering universal healthcare, free education, and a strong social welfare safety net. The country's public transportation network is thoughtfully designed to accommodate everyone, promoting equality of opportunities and further underscoring Denmark's commitment to fostering a society where access to vital resources is a fundamental right. 3. You are not your work This is often reflected in the country's approach to work-life balance. This means that while work is important, it's not the sole defining aspect of a person's identity. The adherence to this idea is so strong that I found many businesses and shops tend to close relatively early in the evening, reinforcing the idea that one's personal time and leisure activities are highly valued. This practice aligns with the overall emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In conclusion, Denmark's warm and inviting atmosphere, which I experienced from the moment I arrived at the airport, serves as a symbolic introduction to the nation's cultural heritage and its invaluable management lessons. #AarhusUniversity #managementlessons #trust #culture #homeawayfromhome #accessibility #inclusivity #IIMCalcutta #exchangeprogram