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Woman breaks down why Norway’s work culture stands out, making Americans want to pack their bags

'Summer vacations are paid, and last for as long as five weeks,' Haaland pointed out.

Woman breaks down why Norway’s work culture stands out, making Americans want to pack their bags
(L) Woman enjoying natural soothing landscape; (R) Colleagues discussing and bonding over work. (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | (L) Elif Deniz Karabacak; (R) Diva Plavalaguna)

Burnout is real, and what every employee wants after suitable pay is to enjoy a decent work-life balance. A woman named Pernille Haaland (@pernille.haaland) shared her opinion about Norway’s work culture and why it is one that is to be looked up to. Her perspective and facts have working Americans aching to get something even remotely close. The woman highlighted certain aspects that feel like a dream to many other work cultures across the globe. The internet is mesmerized by Norway’s system and can’t help but want the same for their respective countries. 

Representative Image Source: Pexels| Fauxels
Colleagues gather casually for an office meeting. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Fauxels)

Haaland opened with a statement that revealed what the remainder of her video would sound like. “In Norway, when the clock strikes 4:00(pm), offices empty faster than a fire drill,” the woman noted. She mentioned in her caption that Norway has a “unique” work culture and Americans should “cover” their ears. The woman went on to say that the work policies are so different that they can be “jarring” to people across the world. That being said, she pointed out another eye-opening and jaw-dropping policy — the Nordic parental leave. Haaland mentioned that it’s very common to see dads showing up and looking after their infants and toddlers. 

Image Source: Pexels/ Photo by Vlada Karpovich
Dad spending quality time with son. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Vlada Karpovich)

“Paternity leave is not casual in Norway, it’s a sport,” the woman said. As unbelievable as it sounds, Haaland pointed out that the government “pays dads to be dads.” Adding her bit of humor as a comedian, she remarked, “Did you hear that? Americans somewhere fell off Mount Rushmore in disbelief!” And her words certainly seemed like it was the case. She went on to explain that parental leave is really given on a generous and considerate basis. It lasts for 12 months. Haaland noted that there is also something called a “bonus year” for those “who are truly dedicated to changing nappies.” 

Representative Image Source: Pexels| Pavel Danilyuk
Parents together looking after toddler. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Pavel Danilyuk)

Sounds baffling and bizarre, but it’s the truth in Norway. She noted that parents have a choice to pick between “49 weeks with full pay or 59 weeks with 80%.” This offer is a no-brainer and is undoubtedly, as the comedian mentioned, a “buffet with a side of socialism.” Thanks to this policy, dads can be fully invested in their children’s lives and help out in the initial phase of parenting, where things are absurdly challenging. “Meanwhile, mothers can return to work without society collapsing. Maybe it’s not a myth, it’s what progress looks like,” Haaland concluded. A freelancer named Gabriella Mikewicz, who moved from America to Norway, realized that this is a blissful reality indeed, per CNBC News.

Image Source: Instagram| @k_blancks_
Image Source: Instagram| @k_blancks_
Image Source: Instagram| @oropeza_andres_
Image Source: Instagram| @oropeza_andres_

The woman explained that she has never been happier than she is after moving. While she credited other reasons like the health care, perfectly planned and accessible systems, and so on, she also pointed out the work-life balance. “Free time, family time and personal well-being are prioritized. Summer vacations are paid, and last for as long as five weeks. There’s a very clear expectation that work should not intrude on your private life.” Let’s just say Norway’s landscapes are great, and its work culture ensures you get to make the best of it." @a.celes wrote, “Really beautiful scenes to see Norwegian dads actively participating in raising their offspring.” @oonalua added, “This is really amazing here! Equality, responsibility, and government really taking care of childhood.” @liztelfs remarked, “Take me to Norway! I’m ready!” 

 

You can follow Pernille Haaland (@pernille.haaland) on Instagram for more content on humor and lifestyle. 

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