A new study from the Danish trade union Djøf has found that workplace flexibility might be a key factor in reducing stress and improving balance between work and personal life for many employees.
Flexibility appears to lower stress
A recent labor survey by Djøf shows a clear pattern. Employees with high flexibility in their jobs are significantly less likely to report feeling stressed compared to those with limited flexibility. Out of more than 5,300 respondents, 68 percent said they had the flexibility they needed. Among them, just 7 percent said they felt stressed. For employees who felt they had little flexibility, that number jumped to 28 percent.
That difference suggests a strong correlation between flexible working conditions and better well-being. Though the report underlines that correlation does not necessarily mean causation, the findings fit neatly into a broader trend in Danish work culture valuing work-life balance.
Flexibility looks different for everyone
Flexibility can mean many things depending on personal circumstances and career stage. For some, it’s having control over start and end times. For others, it involves the option to work remotely, take breaks during the day, or even downshift responsibilities temporarily.
The Djøf study did not define flexibility precisely, allowing respondents to interpret it in their own way. According to psychological research, workplace flexibility can be grouped into categories such as working hours, work volume, location, and choice of tasks.
Surprisingly, even small elements of control seem to matter. For instance, being able to leave work early for a personal appointment or switch between longer and shorter shifts during the week can strengthen mental health and lower the risk of burnout.
The science behind workplace balance
Stress researcher Malene Friis Andersen has studied how job design influences mental well-being for years. She agrees that flexible arrangements may boost health, though she cautions that Djøf’s findings may show stronger effects than what broader research typically finds.
Home-based work, one of the most common forms of flexibility, is what she calls a “double-edged sword.” Studies indicate that working from home can improve mental health for some people but create isolation or blurred boundaries for others. Because of that, employers need to set clear structures around teamwork and expectations so that social connection and clarity aren’t lost when work moves away from the office.
Andersen emphasizes that the best results seem to come when employees have influence over their daily schedules. Having a say in working hours, even more than working location, tends to support stronger engagement and reduce stress.
Stress remains a persistent issue
Despite the benefits of flexibility, the study found that stress still affects a notable share of Danish professionals. Fourteen percent of respondents said they feel stressed in daily life, while one in four had experienced frequent stress within the last two weeks. Those levels are somewhat higher than what larger national surveys usually show.
Researchers point out that stress develops when the demands of a job outweigh the personal resources workers can draw on. Factors that protect against stress include trust, supportive colleagues, and autonomy in one’s role. Flexibility supports all three, but it’s not a cure-all.
For many, reducing stress requires both organizational awareness and personal adjustment, such as strengthening boundaries between work and private life. In Denmark, therapists and counselors increasingly guide both locals and newcomers toward healthier workplace habits and routines, as highlighted in resources such as therapy support for foreigners.
Return-to-office trend challenges flexibility
Even though flexibility is showing benefits, more Danish and international companies are now calling employees back to the office full-time. Organizations like Novo Nordisk, Joe & the Juice, and Nykredit, as well as global giants such as Amazon, Tesla, and JP Morgan, are tightening remote work policies.
This return-to-office wave raises concerns that employees might lose hard-won independence and balance. Experts note that pulling back on flexible options could make it harder for workers to discuss challenges openly. If employees feel they must hide struggles to protect their freedom to work remotely, stress could rise instead of fall.
In Denmark’s evolving work culture, flexibility remains a balancing act. For many people, having the freedom to shape their day is not just a perk. It’s a cornerstone of mental well-being and sustainable professional life.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Work-Life Balance in Denmark
The Danish Dream: Best Therapists in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Fleksibilitet på jobbet kan være en nøgle til mindre stress
