5 hidden cultural codes at work

“I thought my manager told my colleague to go kill himself. But it turned out to be a Danish joke.”

This quote from an IDA member came up in a webinar during IDA’s Upgrade Week - and it says a lot about the gap between intention and interpretation when working across cultures.

We often say that Danish workplaces are informal, flat, and straightforward. But what seems like a casual, humorous, or trusting approach for Danes—like a manager telling an employee to “jump in the harbor” - may feel overstepping, confusing, or even disrespectful to an international colleague.

Here are five cultural codes in Danish work life that can lead to misunderstandings - and how to actively work with them:

1. The invisible boss

We say: “In Denmark we have flat hierarchies.”
But that doesn’t mean hierarchies don’t exist.

Several participants in IDA’s cross-cultural webinar shared experiences where they had challenged a decision - or gone directly to a manager - only to be met with silence, criticism, or social exclusion.

Tip: Make hierarchies visible to new colleagues. Be clear about who makes decisions—and how.

2. Direct language - indirect consequences

Danes are known for “saying things as they are.”
But when you give feedback without asking first, or cut off a discussion with a sarcastic remark, it can come across as dismissive or aggressive.

Tip: Ask first: “May I give you some feedback?”—and do it one-on-one, with focus on the relationship.

3. Humility over visibility

Many international employees believe that if they work hard and deliver results, it will automatically be noticed.
But in Denmark, performance alone is not always enough. You also need to make your efforts visible - without coming across as bragging.

A model from Harvey J. Coleman, shared in the webinar, shows that:

• 10% is performance
• 30% is visibility
• 60% is exposure (relationships and trust)

Tip: Find ways to make your value visible - such as speaking up in meetings, presenting results, or engaging socially at work.

4. Humor as bonding - or a trap

Sarcasm, irony, and dark humor are widespread in Denmark - and are often used to diffuse conflict or strengthen group ties.
But for many international colleagues, it can be difficult to decode when it’s a joke - and when it’s personal.

A good example from the webinar: “Jump in the harbor” - said with a smile - was perceived as an actual threat.

Tip: Be aware that your humor may not be understood as intended. Check in by asking: “Was it OK that I said it like that?” - and stay curious if the reaction is different than you expected.

5. Trust - but not necessarily closeness

Danes score high on “general trust” according to the World Values Survey.
But that doesn’t mean we necessarily invite new colleagues home for dinner. It means we trust that we can start collaborating right away - without first building a personal bond.

For international employees, it can be frustrating when workplace relationships seem warm - but remain superficial.

Tip: Create opportunities for connection outside work - Friday bars, team lunches, or joint projects. And be explicit: “This isn’t just about the task - I’d like to get to know you better.”

A final note: Stay curious - even about yourself

Cultural intelligence isn’t just about understanding “the others.”
It’s just as much about understanding how your own norms and habits affect others—and staying curious when something feels strange, wrong, or hard to grasp.

As one speaker in IDA’s Upgrade Week webinar put it:
“The more you understand your own culture, the easier it is to navigate others.”