Henrik Jensen, CEO and Founder of Danica Crewing Specialists, believes in the value of investing in a good social life and exploring new experiences for inspiration. He notes that while “wellness” has become a buzzword, it can still serve as a strong incentive for companies to take meaningful action.
However, he emphasizes that shipping companies should focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of crew members’ discomfort onboard rather than just treating the symptoms. Additionally, Henrik advocates for greater investment in leadership training within the maritime industry.
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Henrik Jensen: To me wellness means being in balance and feeling good. To have stress is fine but not to be in distress. Actually we need stress to find new and better ways in our life. Stress is what makes us wake up in the morning.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
H.J.: Being with my family helps me to decompress, especially playing with my young child and walking with our dog.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
H.J.: I find it worthwhile to invest in having a good social life and also to sometimes do new things and get inspired.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
H.J.: I do not balance or separate personal and business life but integrate them. During the years I have had many business relationships which turned into personal friendships. Being the owner and CEO of a medium-sized crew service provider company takes up a lot of time. Luckily I have many good employees around me and with good teamwork we manage to satisfy our clients and at the same time also have time for a personal life.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your personal life?
H.J.: I am already too old to change my basic habits!
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
H.J.: “Wellness” has become a buzzword and most companies want to do something. I would like to see companies looking at the root causes for crew members not feeling well onboard and removing these, instead of hiring consultants and paying for hot-lines for crew members to contact once they are not well.
S4S: What wellness-promoting initiatives would you like to see in the workplace?
H.J.: For years I have been promoting that we need to focus on better leadership and to get there we need to train our senior officers in leadership and human management. I would like to see the industry spending more resources on specific leadership training.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
H.J.: Danica started in Ukraine now 12 years ago. The Russian war in Ukraine has of course affected our business in Ukraine and our staff. Despite all the problems and perils we still have 35 Ukrainians in our team who, day after day, continue to work hard and deliver. I am very impressed and grateful to them.
S4S: What are your hobbies/ favorite activities?
H.J.: I build model railways and I also like to do training with my dog
S4S: What is your personal motto?
H.J.: Together we can!
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
