Danish Naval Service reduces deployments to improve work-life balance for personnel

When Chief Warrant Officer Rasmus Gammelgaard Krumhausen of the Danish Naval Service sets sail today, his deployments will be shorter than before. His ship, ‘Vædderen,’ will return home to a team of staff ready to prepare for the next journey, a significant shift from prior practices. These changes come after discussions with employees about retaining personnel in a time when the military is facing staffing shortages.

Rasmus expressed relief at having more time with his family, something often compromised in such a demanding job. The improved work-life balance is expected to help retain staff. Specifically, the Danish Naval Service in Frederikshavn has reduced deployments to the North Atlantic from eight or nine weeks down to six, allowing for more family time. Additionally, a maintenance team has been hired to prepare and repair the ships, minimizing the chances of unexpected calls to active duty, which Rasmus particularly appreciates due to his long commute and the responsibility of caring for three children.

At the Central Association of Professional Personnel (CS), which represents 9,000 military members, the initiatives in Frederikshavn are welcomed. CS Chairman Jesper Korsgaard Hansen describes the personnel shortage as “chaotic” but recognizes positive steps are being taken. While recruiting new employees is going well, retaining them poses a challenge. He notes that salaries are a significant issue, especially for those managing housing, cars, and children’s needs.

The Danish Naval Service hopes to attract even more personnel, emphasizing the importance of home and downtime for maintaining a fulfilling family life. With insufficient staff, the readiness for unexpected tasks at sea remains a challenge.