Interviews with Baltic Workforce workers working in Denmark

D.N. – a worker that is currently working on a forth assignment with Baltic Workforce. He has been our employee since 2019. Usually goes for short 1-5 month jobs in warehouses and flower greenhouses. He is currently working in a warehouse as a forklift driver:

– How long have you been working at the current workplace? What is your job? Are you happy with your work?

– In my current job I work for about 1 month, but 5 months ago, I worked for 3 months because it was a seasonal job. I work as a forklift driver, the work is not physically hard, I am satisfied with the work, I would only like to get more hours to work.

– Why did you refer to a recruitment agency and not look for a job abroad independently? Why did you choose Baltic Workforce?

– Being in LT and looking for a job abroad is difficult, because, first, you need to find a place to live and the agency prepares, arranges, agrees with the employer. All you have to do is go and the agency is responsible for the client to whom they send you to work. I chose you just by chance, I found an ad online.

– Is this your first time working abroad? If not, when was your first time? What was your main concern when you first went to work abroad / what problems did you face?

– This job abroad was definitely not my first time; I went to Ireland for the first time in 2003, with no specific living space or job, and it was promised that it would be arranged by a stranger for a fee. There were a lot of problems with living and working.

– How did you find out about Baltic Workforce?

– As I mentioned, I found your agency online without any recommendations, just by accident.

– Why do you choose short-term jobs abroad?

– I do not want to live abroad all the time, so it is more convenient for me to work temporary, seasonal jobs.

– How do you spend your free time? (Approximately how much money do you spend on food; where would you recommend shopping?)

– During my days off, I try to go somewhere to visit interesting places and play sports. I personally spend € 200 a month on food and shop mostly at the Aldi store. You can also download apps, (Too Good To Go) where you can buy groceries cheaper.

– What do you like most working in Denmark? Why? Why did you choose Denmark?

– I couldn’t single out anything special while working in Denmark or in Norway or Ireland; everything is similar – no stress and hourly pay. I came to Denmark just by chance, but definitely it is not the country that I would like to stay in for a longer period of time because of the high taxes and the weather.

– Is knowing English or other languages important when working in Denmark? Please share your experience.

– It is possible to speak English in Denmark, but not all Danes speak English or want to speak English. Anyways, if you do not know Danish, you can „survive“ with minimal English.

– What would be your advice to those who want to go and work in Denmark?

– When going to Denmark to work, I would advise to speak at least minimal English and drive your own car, but make sure that it is technically tidy, because repairs are expensive in Denmark.

I.G. – a worker who is currently working for the fourth time with Baltic Workforce. She has been our employee since 2019. Usually goes for short assignments in potato factory and champignon farm. She is currently working in a potato factory:

– How long have you been working at the current workplace? What is your job? Are you happy with your work?

– I have worked for your company three times (three months each) and will now go on to a forth job offer at a potato factory (for two months). All of the times I was satisfied with the work, the hours, the accommodation.

– Why did you refer to a recruitment agency and not look for a job abroad independently? Why did you choose Baltic Workforce?

– I was not looking for a job on my own, because I don’t speak the language, I have no acquaintances in a foreign country and plus you have been recommended by a woman who has already worked through your agency – I don’t have to worry about anything, you arrange all the documents. Recommended as a reliable company that older people also have the opportunity to work. And the older ones really are not wanted in many places.

– Is this your first time working abroad? If not, when was your first time? What was your main concern when you first went to work abroad / what problems did you face?

– No, this is not my first job abroad. For the first time I went to work in Germany to powder and chip factories. I was contracted by the principle of a business trip. When I went to Germany for the first time I cried because it was sad to leave home, but I was not afraid to go because I went through the agency, I felt safe.

– How did you find out about Baltic Workforce?

– You were recommended by a friend who worked through you. Then I read online about you and called.

– Why do you choose short-term jobs abroad?

– Of course, it is always better at home, but I choose short-term work for one specific thing – to earn money. The main purpose is the money needed for a specific purpose, say, to fix your teeth, make repairs, and make a living. All the money is clearly brought back to Lithuania and spent here. And I live in a small town in Lithuania, where there is no job even for the minimum wage. I worked in a factory for 10 years and it bankrupt. Then I worked in a store that had very long hours of work for a minimum wage; and if you refuse to work those long hours there is a chance to be fired.

– How do you spend your free time? (Approximately how much money do you spend on food; where would you recommend shopping?)

– After work, I calmly return home, prepare dinner, and in my free time I like to walk around the town, the park. Stay in nature. I mainly shop in two stores: Netto and Lidl. The choice of food is good, although in Denmark everything is a bit more expensive than in Lithuania, so I mainly buy goods on sale and from leaflets. But sometimes I did not limit myself, I bought salmon, a variety of expensive vegetables, such as avocado. I can’t say exactly how much I spent, but I would say up to 2,200 DKK (up to ~ 300 eur) food, household chemicals, washing powder inclusive.

– What do you like most working in Denmark? Why? Why did you choose Denmark?

– I already worked in Germany, so the second choice was Denmark because of the recommendation and because Denmark is closer to Lithuania – it is convenient to go there. So there was a desire to try. But I would still prefer Germany because both food and cosmetics are cheaper, however, living conditions are much worse. While working in Denmark I lived alone, it is very important to have my own privacy.

– Is knowing English or other languages important when working in Denmark? Please share your experience.

– I don‘t know the language, but it’s clear it would be better to speak a foreign language because it would make it easier to communicate. Especially when all Danes speak English. So I would say that speaking English is important.

– What would be your advice to those who want to go and work in Denmark?

– Don’t be afraid to try even without knowing the language. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to learn a language. Try to learn – there is a lot of information online. Don‘t worry about things as there are many second-hand shops for both household goods and clothes at good prices. Medicines can also be bought everywhere. You won’t be overwhelmed if you go to work through the agency because they will take care of you as much as possible and all problems can be solved. Just take a little cash with you just in case, because you can never know what can happen.

R.B. – a worker that is currently working for the sixth time with Baltic Workforce. He has been working with us since 2017. Usually goes for longer 3-8 month projects in live-stock farms and agriculture. He is currently working as a machine-tool operator in a factory:

– How long have you been working at the current workplace? What is your job? Are you happy with your work?

– I have been working through your agency continuously since May, 2019. I mainly worked on pig farms, now I work in a sawmill. I also worked through you in 2016 and 2017.

– Why did you refer to a recruitment agency and not look for a job abroad independently? Why did you choose Baltic Workforce?

– An acquaintance told me about your agency, he had worked with you many times and recommended.

– Is this your first time working abroad? If not, when was your first time? What was your main concern when you first went to work abroad / what problems did you face?

– Yes, the first job abroad was in Denmark in 2016. I was not worried about anything, I was not afraid, because I had traveled a lot in Europe. Plus I drove through the recommended company, so I trusted you.

– How did you find out about Baltic Workforce?

– An acquaintance told me about your company, he worked with you many times and recommended you. You found a job very quickly, I really liked that I didn’t have to worry about anything – documents and accommodation were provided.

– Why do you choose short-term jobs abroad?

– I like to travel and not sit in one place, get to know other cultures and communicate with new people. And if you work well, you can also get evaluated even in a temporary job.

– How do you spend your free time? (Approximately how much money do you spend on food; where would you recommend shopping?)

– I go to the nearest store near my home. That would be REMA 1000. I’m happy with the choice out there and I don’t really go anywhere else because it is convenient. I do not calculate very much my expenses, i do not calculate the exchange rate to Euro, I just go and buy what I need. But of course, food is more expensive than in Lithuania, and clothes are much cheaper. And there are a lot of sales on food items. So I spend ~ DKK 2,000 (~ 268 euros) on food, 500 DKK per month (~ 67 euros) on harmful habits (cigarettes). Services are expensive: taxi, hairdresser cheapest 150 DKK (~ 20 eur).

– What do you like most working in Denmark? Why? Why did you choose Denmark?

– When I first came to Denmark, I was fascinated by the Danish mentality, because it is very similar to Lithuanian. So I would say I stayed in this country because I felt at home. I also like the culture and beautiful nature.

– Is knowing English or other languages important when working in Denmark? Please share your experience.

– It is important to speak English because I think 80% of Danes speak English. If you go to work on farms Russian is useful, because a lot of workers are from Ukraine and Belarus there. You will have more options with English. However, you can still work even without language.

– What would be your advice to those who want to go and work in Denmark?

– Do not be afraid to go and whatever happens, happens. People don’t trust agencies since the old days of English factories, because they cheated people. I like to go through agency because it provides everything. You don‘t have to look, think or take care of anything – everything is arranged. You get a contract, you come to the place, everything is coordinated – simple. And then just keep in touch with the agency about necessary forms, instructions, or any advice.

K.D. – A worker who is currently working for the ninth time with Baltic Workforce. She has been our employee since 2013. Usually prefers long projects (over six month and longer), but she has also gone for short jobs in greenhouses, factories and agriculture. At the moment she is working in the same potato factory for over a year:

– Why did you refer to a recruitment agency and not look for a job abroad independently? Why did you choose Baltic Workforce?

– I am currently working in a potato factory in Denmark. I came back here to work for the second time. I chose Baltic Workforce precisely because I have worked for this company before and remained satisfied. This firm takes care of its employees, solves employee problems related to work and housing. I did not look for a job on my own, because it is easier through Baltic Workforce – work and housing is provided, employment services are free.

– Is this your first time working abroad? If not, when was your first time? What was your main concern when you first went to work abroad / what problems did you face?

– This job is not the first for me in Denmark, maybe the tenth. I first went to Denmark to work 11 years ago to a salmon factory where I worked for 7 years. The problem was that I didn’t speak English and had to hire an interpreter everywhere to handle various paperwork. In addition, I worked with other Lithuanians, and I have to say they were unfriendly and did not share any information about paperwork, housing or work.

– What do you like most working in Denmark? Why? Why did you choose Denmark?

– I went to Denmark to work because there are normal salaries, it is possible not only to live, but also to save normally. I like working in Denmark because the Danes don’t create any problems. All problems are created by people from your own country.

– Is knowing English or other languages important when working in Denmark? Please share your experience.

– In Denmark you need to speak at least English. Without language it is difficult, but when working with Ukrainians and Polish people, the Russian and Polish languages I speak are very useful. Poles are very fond of speaking Polish to them. I have a number of Polish friends on Facebook with whom we correspond and congratulate each other on various occasions. Learning Danish, which is difficult, allows you to find a job directly, but I don’t plan on staying in Denmark. I plan to just work as much as possible and return to Lithuania.

L.G. – a worker that worked for Baltic Workforce in a long-term job in constructions. Has loads of experience working abroad.

– How long have you been working at the current workplace? What is your job? Are you happy with your work?

– I have just finished my work in the construction sector in Denmark, I have been working on concrete casting and masonry work for four months. Yes, I was satisfied, although the work was physically very hard, but I knew what it would be like before I left to work. The accommodation was very good as I lived alone in the apartment.

– Why did you refer to a recruitment agency and not look for a job abroad independently? Why did you choose Baltic Workforce?

– I was looking for a job on my own in Norway and Sweden, and in Denmark it is harder to find a job on my own because of differences in the labor market, corporate taxes, employment itself. I have certainly noticed that in Norway and Sweden it is easier and more companies are sending on a business trip basis. But I found jobs independently also.

– Is this your first time working abroad? If not, when was your first time? What was your main concern when you first went to work abroad / what problems did you face?

– No, the first job was in the UK 15 years ago, a friend invited me to come to work. English was the biggest problem because I didn’t know it very well and the accommodation conditions were extremely poor. I really liked the apartment in Denmark, because I lived alone in the whole apartment, I had privacy, all the amenities, internet.

– How did you find out about Baltic Workforce?

– I found an interesting ad on the internet, read more about you on the page, and called.

– Why do you choose short-term jobs abroad?

– The main reason is earnings. The goal for which you are going to make money.

– How do you spend your free time? (Approximately how much money do you spend on food; where would you recommend shopping?)

– On weekends, if I wasn’t working on Saturdays, I was constantly driving or walking by the sea, which is 3 miles away. Very nice surroundings, resort. Amazing nature. Due to the cost of food, I really didn’t spend that much, I bought everything at a discount or from leaflets. I mainly went to Netto, Rema1000, Alid, Lidl. I spent 250 DKK (~ 33 eur) a week, that would be 1000 DKK (~ 134 eur) a month. So you can really look for good deals and not spend much.

– What do you like most working in Denmark? Why? Why did you choose Denmark?

– I knew Denmark for a long time because I have worked there and have a lot of acquaintances and friends who have been working for a long time, have already settled in with their families, have acquired real estate. I know that a lot of hard-working people come to Denmark with specific goals and that motivates them.

– Is knowing English or other languages important when working in Denmark? Please share your experience.

– It is very important to speak English as this may be directly related to higher pay. And if you know Danish – the possibilities are endless, it is very very useful.

– What would be your advice to those who want to go and work in Denmark?

– Set a goal where you go to work and what you will work, don’t be afraid and set out to do so. You may need to show how well you are working in order to trust you and give you more responsibilities. And don’t be intimidated by this, as this is natural, especially in the construction sector, where the result of the work is clearly visible. You can take some money with you for the start so you feel safer.

I.D. – worker who has been on one assignment with BWF since July, 2020. He is now working in a pig farm:

– How long have you been working at the current workplace? What is your job? Are you happy with your work?

– At this workplace I’m working since 28.07.2020. I’m pig farm assistant. Yes I’m very happy with my work condition.

– Why did you refer to a recruitment agency and not look for a job abroad independently? Why did you choose Baltic Workforce?

– I have referred to a recruitment agency because I cannot trust a boss which I don’t know, I prefer always to be assured. Baltic Workforce is been recommended by one of my friend which previously was working with you and been very satisfied, that’s why I choose the same company.

– Is this your first time working abroad? If not, when was your first time? What was your main concern when you first went to work abroad / what problems did you face?

– No, it’s not my first time abroad, I’m working more than 5 years abroad. The first time I have been in Sweden and the most difficult situation was “foreign language”. It is very difficult to be on your own if you don’t know the local language or at least English.

– How did you find out about Baltic Workforce?

– As I said, one of my old friend worked with you and recommended to me.

– Why do you choose short-term jobs abroad?

– In my home country, I have my wife and my daughter, I don’t want to miss them too much, that’s why I’m always choosing a short – term contracts abroad.

– How do you spend your free time? (Approximately how much money do you spend on food; where would you recommend shopping?)

– Working in a pig farm we don’t really have a free time, I’m working Saturday and Sunday too. This is making me happy because I would prefer to spend my free time with my family but they are not here. About the money is very different and depends on the person.

– What do you like most working in Denmark? Why? Why did you choose Denmark?

– Well, to work in Denmark is a dream for many people, good salary, honest people, etc. I have choose Denmark while I was in Sweden, I wanted to change something in my life and it was a good option.

– Is knowing English or other languages important when working in Denmark? Please share your experience.

– Without knowing English or local language is nearly impossible. I couldn’t accommodate until I learned English, then I saw things differently in that country. If someone wants to go to work abroad without knowing the language, should expect then to be at least ten times more harder that someone who knows at least a bit of English.

– What would be your advice to those who want to go and work in Denmark?

– Always to be assured, to make sure they have a legal job contract , to make sure they read and understand all working conditions and of course to be informed as much possible about Denmark.

J. K – worker who is now working on a forth assignment with BWF. We are working with him since June, 2020. Mostly works on short jobs 1-2months in agriculture. He is currently working in agriculture:

– How long have you been working at the current workplace? What is your job? Are you happy with your work?

– Currently I am working in Holland, but I would really would like to work again with BWF in Denmark, I was satisfied, I worked with my girlfriend for 3 months.

– Why did you refer to a recruitment agency and not look for a job abroad independently? Why did you choose Baltic Workforce?

– We was looking for a job, it is easier through the agency as you do not need to worry about insurance, accommodation, we was very happy about first accommodation – nice apartment by the sea. We chose BWF not intentionally, we were looking for the job for couple and there was the offer.

– Is this your first time working abroad? If not, when was your first time? What was your main concern when you first went to work abroad / what problems did you face?

– It was our first job abroad. There was only issue with team leader at second job because we had to finish earlier.

– How did you find out about Baltic Workforce?

– The company was recommended by my cousin.

– Why do you choose short-term jobs abroad?

– We would like to get long term job as we do not see our future in Poland.

– How do you spend your free time? (Approximately how much money do you spend on food; where would you recommend shopping?)

– We were sightseeing very nice villages around. We was spending around 1600DKK on food per month.

– What do you like most working in Denmark? Why? Why did you choose Denmark?

– Denmark gives a lot of opportunities for development. Danes are very nice and helpful people. We would like to go back to work in Denmark and we are looking for job offer for couples. We both really liked mentality of Danes, they have such a positive attitude for other people and foreigners.

– Is knowing English or other languages important when working in Denmark? Please share your experience.

– It is possible to work without English but language is very helpful.

T. S. – a worker who worked with BWF twice. We started working with him 2015. Prefers shorter jobs 2-4 months long in greenhouse and agriculture. Would go to work to Denmark again with us, but is awaiting for the right job for him:

– How long have you been working at the current workplace? What is your job? Are you happy with your work?

– I worked for BWT twice, all together 4 months. I was satisfied with the job, no complains. Working and living conditions was on decent level.

– Why did you refer to a recruitment agency and not look for a job abroad independently? Why did you choose Baltic Workforce?

– I found advertisement on poloniusz.pl and chose it. It was my first time in Denmark, that was few years ago.

– Is this your first time working abroad? If not, when was your first time? What was your main concern when you first went to work abroad / what problems did you face?

– I never had problems at work.

– Why do you choose short-term jobs abroad?

– I prefer short but frequent jobs as I have other things to do in Poland.

– How do you spend your free time? (Approximately how much money do you spend on food; where would you recommend shopping?)

– In my free time I am reading books, running, doing different sports. I am vegetarian, few years back I was spending 2000-2500DKK on food, now it is more like 3000DKK. On short time jobs this is good idea to take some food from Poland to save more money. I prefer to do shopping near by the accommodation place, but if somebody has a car then it is good idea to do shopping at shops like Rema 1000, Facta, Netto.

– What do you like most working in Denmark? Why? Why did you choose Denmark?

– Denmark was not intentional choice, but I would like to work there again. I like mentality of Danes, people are living stressless there, it is easier to deal with documents/authorities, and people are very polite.

– Is knowing English or other languages important when working in Denmark? Please share your experience.

– English is very desired, as 95% of Danes speaks English fluently, it is necessary in everyday life.

– What would be your advice to those who want to go and work in Denmark?

– To be patient, do not expect high salary at first, help each other.