I had never heard the Danish word ‘Hygge‘ before but a podcast that I listened to recently from Freakonomics titled “How to be Happy” resonated with me.
When Helen Russell, fashion editor of Maire Claire moved to Denmark from London with her husband, who had taken a dream job with Lego, she decided to write a book to try to figure out exactly why this country is officially one of the Happiest in the world!!
Her cleverly titled book, “The Year of Living Danishly” digs deep into the psyche of Denmark and why this dark, cold, highly taxed and very expensive country is so happy.
At Fuzion we always talk about #WinHappy as being a core philosophy of ours, creating a positive work culture, where we do great work for great clients but with a smile on our faces.
Some think it is a little Utopian but we believe it is possible.
In Denmark they talk about a very special thing called ‘Hygge‘ , which I found very interesting as it is one of the core reasons attributed to their ‘Happy’ success.
Even on the Visit Denmark website they describe it:
Hygge: The Danish Art of Cosiness
Hygge is as Danish as æbleskiver (Pancake Puffs!!) and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul.
I remember visiting a Danish fashion client that we were doing work for and being quite surprised to see candles lighting at the doorway of the offices and in the reception area. The warm glow of those candles certainly softened the atmosphere and was conducive to a positive working environment.
The owners of the business had also brought their little dog to work, who was running around the place! Maybe I should bring Honey and Bert?
In a random Google of the topic around workplaces I spotted an article that mentioned seven ‘Hygge’ tips:
1. Bring a mug from home
Ironically, something we used do in Fuzion was to buy everyone a mug that we thought suited their character!
2. Make a relaxing work playlist
Hmmm…in my work space in the Cork office, close to the graphic design team we always have Spotify playing something that is not too intrusive. It’s more difficult with the PR teams in Dublin and Cork as they are on the phone a lot.
3. Spend lunch outside or take that time to unwind
Too much time is spent by some of us at our desks including lunch break – that is not good and is something that we definitely need to improve on.
4. Decorate your desk or workspace
There are a few pics from home and fun things on people’s desks, but I guess we could go a little further to make the place even more personal.
5. Host a potluck with co-workers
I had no idea what this meant but apparently it is savouring home-cooked meals that your work friends have cooked and vice versa.
I do love when Alma brings in some of her tasty home cooked treats – there is something very special when someone brings something in that they made at home.
“When everybody shares, everybody gets hygge,” is what one author on the topic said.
6. Do random acts of kindness for your co-workers
I love this simple idea as it promotes the idea of friendship and treating your fellow workers as something more than that.
7. Embrace teamwork
Apparently team spirit is part of the Danish culture. From childhood, Danes work in groups and are taught to seek and/or give help in the face of adversity. They are encouraged to remain confident despite their weaknesses and humble despite their strengths.
While we have a great team and do a lot together, too often when you glance down the office we are all busy, busy, with our heads stuck in whatever client work we are doing.
In Fuzion we do our own few things in the spirit of ‘Hygge’ that we could add to this list:
Breaking bread together – Fuzion Friday
Every Friday in both Dublin and Cork offices we down tools and we go for lunch together. We chat about the wins, we chat about the losses and frustrations of the week and we laugh and share weekend plans.
Cuppa anyone?
No one makes a cuppa without asking if anyone else would like a cuppa!
Birthdays
A present is always bought for you on your birthday and wait for it…. our people get a day off for their birthday, which they must take on the day (or very close to it a least). Our client, Regus does this and I thought it was a great idea so we introduced it two years ago.
Slagging/Banter
There is always a nice amount of friendly banter in the office, which is nearly always lighthearted and never bitter.
Holidays
The person who goes on holidays is given a token few quid to buy a meal on us but they nearly always buy some chocolates or biscuits for the office on their return.
Working Late
We don’t like to see anyone caught working late at the office – Saidhbh is the biggest culprit lately!
While it is never perfect and there are the normal pressures and stresses of work I think we do a pretty good job at creating our own “Hygge” – after all, why would anyone want to work in the opposite atmosphere? ….I certainly don’t.
What do you do to create your own Hygge?
At Fuzion, I guess we call it Win Happy!!
Greg
