As project managers, we often find ourselves in high-stress environments — juggling deadlines, managing multiple stakeholders, and solving problems on the go.
After reading Meik Wiking’s “The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well”, I realised how much this Danish concept of coziness, contentment, and simplicity can offer those of us in the fast-paced world of project management.
Here are some of the best lessons project managers can take from hygge and how they can improve both work and personal life.
1. Create a comfortable workspace
One of the key lessons in hygge is the importance of creating a cosy atmosphere, and this applies directly to our workspaces.
Wiking emphasizes the power of soft lighting, warm spaces, and comfort — elements you can easily bring into the office. Simple changes like adjusting harsh lighting or adding personal, comforting touches to your work environment can help you — and your team — feel more at ease, even during stressful periods.
2. Focus on emotional well-being
Hygge isn’t just about physical comfort — it’s about emotional comfort, too. In project management, emotional well-being often gets overlooked as we prioritise deadlines and deliverables.
“The Little Book of Hygge” reminds us that creating a safe and supportive environment leads to better collaboration and results. Regularly checking in with your team, offering praise, or simply creating a culture where people can take breaks when needed can go a long way in reducing stress and increasing overall happiness.
3. Celebrate small wins
One of the most valuable takeaways from hygge is learning to savour life’s simple pleasures. For project managers, this means recognizing and celebrating small wins along the way instead of only focusing on the final outcome.
Every project is made up of many small milestones, and acknowledging these achievements — whether it’s completing a sprint, solving a tricky issue, or finishing a challenging meeting — can help you and your team maintain a positive outlook and remain motivated through the project’s ups and downs.
4. Foster togetherness and connection
Hygge places a huge emphasis on togetherness. Building strong, authentic connections with your team can lead to better collaboration, enhanced problem-solving, and a more supportive work environment.
Instead of formal, high-pressure meetings, consider incorporating more casual check-ins, where the focus is not just on tasks but on how everyone is feeling and working together. Creating a sense of community within your team can reduce stress and foster an atmosphere where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.
5. Incorporate comforting rituals
Food and drink play a big role in hygge, not only as sources of comfort but as ways to bring people together. Project managers can take inspiration from this by adding small rituals into the workday — like having a team coffee break or celebrating the completion of key tasks with a shared lunch or treats.
These moments of connection, however small, help build team cohesion and provide a much-needed mental break during busy periods. Simple, but effective.
6. Embrace challenges
One of the more surprising lessons from hygge is how the Danes embrace winter — a season many of us dread — by finding beauty and comfort in it.
As project managers, we often face the “winter” of tight deadlines, last-minute changes, or complex issues that seem overwhelming. Instead of resisting these challenges, the hygge mindset encourages us to find ways to make even difficult periods more manageable.
7. Accept imperfections
“The Little Book of Hygge” teaches us that hygge is not about perfection — it’s about what feels good and brings comfort, even if it’s a little messy.
In project management, things don’t always go according to plan, and striving for perfection can lead to unnecessary stress. Hygge encourages us to embrace imperfections and stay flexible, both with our projects and with ourselves. This mindset can help reduce anxiety and promote a healthier work-life balance.
Incorporating these practices into your work life can help you manage stress and create a more positive and productive atmosphere for your team.
Ultimately, hygge reminds us to find joy in the little things, even in the midst of tight deadlines and complex projects. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, embracing this concept might just be the secret to not only surviving but thriving in your work.
How will you adopt the principles of hygge?
This post was previously published on Medium.com.