Kay Xander MellishExpert on Danish business culture

Danish business practices: Business gifts in Denmark

2 Aug 2023 · 1 min

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1:20

In this short instructional video, the speaker explains that gifts are generally not expected in Danish business settings and can even make recipients uncomfortable. He advises newcomers that they should only give gifts when there is a specific, organized plan, such as a department-wide gift pool for Christmas or a large milestone celebration (e.g., 30th, 40th birthday). He also describes the common Danish practice of offering a gift sticker, allowing the recipient to exchange the item if it is unwanted or unsuitable, reflecting Denmark’s practical culture and limited living space. The overall message is that gifting should be purposeful, optional, and considerate of Danish norms.

Chapters

One thing newcomers to Denmark often struggle with is gifts. Should I give a gift to my Danish boss? In many cultures, this is pretty much expected. What about teachers? If I take a course, should I give a gift to the teacher at the end of the course? What about my colleagues? I always tell newcomers that gifts are not required in a business context in Denmark. And they might even make the recipient feel uncomfortable. You don't ever have to give gifts at work unless there's a specific plan. Maybe everyone in the department is putting in one gift for a pool at Christmas time, or if you're invited to a really big party for one of your colleagues, let's say 30th, 40th, 50th round birthday. Now when you buy a gift in Denmark, you'll always be asked if you want a gift sticker. This is so the recipient, if they get your gift and it turns out they already have one or they don't like it, they can take it back to the place of purchase and exchange it for something that they do want. A lot of people get insulted about it, but they shouldn't be. Denmark is a practical country. Danes are very practical. They have small houses. They don't have room for stuff to sit around that they don't want or can't use.