A Glimpse Into Goizueta: Lessons From The 2nd-Happiest Country In The World

This summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Denmark as part of a Global Experiential Module with my One-Year MBA cohort at Emory Goizueta. Global Experiential Modules are faculty-led trips designed to underscore the global perspectives emphasized throughout the Goizueta curriculum. For a week, we immersed ourselves in Danish culture. All the while, we studied Life Design for the Modern MBA and what it means to find balance, meaning, and fulfillment in our career and life alongside our Best 40-Under-40 Professor, Marina Cooley.

LESSON 1: STOP AND PLAY 

Denmark is celebrated as the second happiest country in the world. After experiencing its charm firsthand, it’s easy to see why. For starters, play is woven into the very fabric of daily life. It’s common to find playgrounds attached to restaurants, slides in museums, trampolines in the middle of the sidewalk, and monkey bars on boardwalks. The message is clear: life is too short not to stop and play! This playful spirit extends beyond childhood as hobbies among adults are strongly encouraged. Rather than leading with “What do you do for a living?” Danes are more interested in who you are and how you spend your free time.

LESSON 2: WORK SMARTER, NOT LONGER

This stop-and-play concept is also embedded into Denmark’s work culture, as the country has one of the shortest work weeks in the world at just 37.5 hours; yet the workforce remains among the most productive globally. The Danish approach to work prioritizes efficiency over long hours and encourages employees to maintain a balance between work and personal life. This has resulted in a highly motivated workforce that stays focused during the workday and rejuvenates outside of it. By 4:30 pm, most employees head home to spend time with friends and family. During the last weeks of July through early August, many businesses shut down entirely as everyone takes time off to enjoy the short Danish summer. For the Danes, productivity isn’t about time spent at the desk. It’s about smart, intentional work that aligns with their overall lifestyle and enables employees to work smarter, not longer.

LESSON 3: SUCCESS CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

During our trip, we had the privilege of visiting the headquarters of Lego and Pandora, where I saw firsthand how companies integrate the Danish values of creativity, balance, and social responsibility into their daily operations.

At Lego, creativity and innovation are at the heart of the company’s culture, exemplified by the Lego House. This interactive museum is known as the “home of the brick.” Lego also maintains a new innovation campus, which fosters collaboration and imaginative problem-solving. Lego ensures a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible hours and family-oriented benefits, demonstrating that when companies invest in their people’s well-being, the results are both creative and productive.

Community engagement and sustainability are also embedded in Denmark’s corporate culture. For example, Pandora, which is the world’s largest jewelry company, has committed to reducing its carbon footprint across its entire supply chain, achieving a 27% reduction in emissions since 2019. Pandora has also sourced 100% renewable energy for their crafting facilities, switched to 100% recycled silver and gold for their precious metals, and incorporated 100% man-made stones. Additionally, Pandora successfully recycled 99.8% of its crafting waste in 2023. These efforts show how businesses in Denmark don’t just focus on profit—they view themselves as integral parts of the wider social ecosystem, working to make a positive difference.

Another standout moment was our visit to Copenhill, a waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a recreational ski and climbing facility—proof that sustainability can be both functional and fun! Designed to address Copenhagen’s waste management challenges and reduce carbon emissions, Copenhill processes up to 600,000 tons of municipal waste annually, sourced from 645,000 residents and 68,000 businesses in the region. This waste is converted into electricity and heat, which is then pumped into a district heating system serving 150,000 households—about a quarter of the city’s heating needs. This innovative solution emphasizes Denmark’s commitment to sustainable energy production and its positive impact on both the environment and the community.

LESSON 4: BIKING IS A FUN AND EFFICIENT METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION!

In line with their commitment to sustainability, biking is more common than driving in Denmark. In Denmark, biking isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a way of life. Their reliance on cycling reflects their eco-friendly mindset and is an efficient and enjoyable way to navigate the city.

Within hours of arriving, I hopped on a bike and set off to explore the city. The biking infrastructure was not only efficient, but also made for a fun and scenic way to get around while also getting some exercise. I enjoyed riding through the park with my classmates, watching the Danes sunbathing, and savoring the last days of summer. It became a daily ritual to ride to grab a Danish pastry or “soft ice,” the Danish take on soft-serve ice cream.

LESSON 5: HIGHER TAXES CAN YIELD POSITIVE SOCIAL BENEFITS

Last, let’s talk about taxes. Yes, Danes pay a whopping 57% in income tax, which might raise some eyebrows in the U.S. However, this investment yields significant returns. The Danish government funds a wide range of services and benefits for its citizens, including education, healthcare, childcare, retirement pensions, and more. In contrast, in the U.S., many of these services are either privately funded or require additional insurance, often leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for individuals. While U.S. citizens may pay lower taxes, the Danish model shows how a higher tax rate can fund a strong social safety net, thus reducing financial stress, ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services, and ultimately improving happiness. The return on this investment fosters a society where citizens feel supported, leading to higher overall satisfaction and communal well-being.

FINAL TAKEAWAY: BALANCE AND INTENTIONALITY ARE KEY TO WORK AND LIFE

All in all, my trip was filled with unforgettable experiences, from the wild drop-down slide at the Danish Architecture Center to the breathtaking boat canal tour, where our group was hilariously told to “SIT DOWN!” as we couldn’t contain our excitement. As I return home, I carry with me the memories of biking along the canals, hanging in the park with the Danes, taking a swim in the harbor bath, staying out way too late, and eating way too many Danish pastries.

At the same time, I reflect on the lessons learned from their unique approach to social democracy and happiness. The Danish model of work-life balance holds valuable lessons for those of us in the United States. The emphasis on play and community-oriented practices can inspire us to rethink how we approach our own lives and work. By embracing more of this Danish approach—where work is efficient but balanced with time for personal fulfillment, alignment on work and school hours, and encouragement to collectively disconnect during holidays and time off – we could create more productive, happier, and healthier work environments back home in the U.S.

Denmark has shown me that with balance and intentionality, it is possible to pursue both professional success and have personal joy. As I prepare to re-enter the workforce, I hope to live more Danishly —setting clear boundaries, nurturing hobbies, and making time for play — while still focusing on business productivity. Why can’t we have it all too?

And if you’re contemplating a global experience during your MBA journey, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize the opportunity!

Bio: Amber O’Donoghue is a one-year accelerated full-time MBA student with a concentration in Marketing at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. With a decade of experience in strategy and operations consulting, her career has been defined by successfully managing projects from inception to execution, solving complex business challenges, and collaborating cross-functionally to implement strategic initiatives across global locations. Amber is passionate about sharing diverse stories and perspectives while striving to make a meaningful impact in her community and uplift others on her journey to success. She is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Spelman College.

DON’T MISS: EMORY MBAS VISIT DENMARK FOR A LESSON IN HAPPINESS