Leading the Way in Work Life Balance: Top Countries and Their Practices

In the hybrid work era, accomplishing work life balance has become a central concern for employees worldwide. A very recent report by Remote, a company dedicated to supporting remote work, highlighted the importance of this work life balance. According to a Randstad report, 57% of workers refuse a job that negatively affects their work life balance, amplifying the need for flexible working conditions, that includes the option of work from home or work from anywhere.

       Job van der Voort, Co founder and CEO of Remote, explains the importance and need of balance, stating, “ Everyone should be able to enjoy both professional success and personal fulfilments, no matter where they live or what they do.” This emotion is crucial for elevating overall well being, maximizing output and driving organizational success. Remote’s Global Life Work Balance Index identifies countries that excel in promoting a healthy work life balance by analyzing and evaluating factors such as minimum wage, sick leave , maternity leave, healthcare availability, average working hours, public happiness and LGBTQ+ inclusivity and acceptance.

     Leading Countries in Work Life Balance

1. New Zealand

     New Zealand tops the list of work life balance. The country vaunts a strong economy and offers generous work benefits, including 32 days of statutory annual leave, an 80% sick pay rate, and a government backed universal healthcare system. These factors contribute considerably to its top ranking.

2. Spain

     Spain invariably scores high across various benchmarks. It provides 36 days of mandated annual leave and maintains a short average working week. This combination actually supports a balanced lifestyle for workers.

3. France

   France is one of Europe’s major countries with a high GDP and a population of approx 65 million. It elevates work life balance, evident in its shorter working hours ( 25.6 hours per week on an average), generous minimum wages, and 36 days of annual leave. The “Right to Disconnect” law, broached in 2017, allows workers to avoid work related emails outside of office hours, promoting personal time and reducing stress.

4. Australia

       Australia is known for its work life balance, providing a top tier minimum wage per hour among the all surveyed countries. It also provides 100% paid sick leave and a strong public healthcare system, ensuring workers well being is well supported.

5. Denmark

      Denmark, widely referenced as one of the happiest countries, ranks high for work life balance. With 36 days of annual leave, full sick pay and universal healthcare, it supports its employees needs effectively. Denmark’s culture focuses on the importance of free time, supported by a robust welfare system funded through high taxes, providing healthcare and free education.

6. Norway

    Norway closely walks in Denmark’s footsteps, known for its high levels of happiness and quality of life. Norwegians enjoy 35 days of annual leave, a highly regarded government sponsored healthcare system and full sick pay. The culture in Norway appreciates and values life outside work, reflected in the evasion of long workweeks.

7. The Netherlands

      The Netherlands is appreciated and celebrated for its progressive culture and ranks as the second happiest country among the top 10. While the Dutch lack a government funded healthcare system, they benefit from munificent maternity pay policies and short average working week of just under 27 hours, supporting and focusing on a balanced life.

8. The United Kingdom

     The Uk, with a high human development index and the sixth largest economy based on GDP, values work life balance. Its generous minimum wages, substantial statutory maternity leaves and healthcare system contributes to this a lot. Employees in Uk enjoy one of the shortest working weeks at 25.6 hours on average, balancing personal and professional lives simultaneously. 

9. Canada

      Canada offers a high quality of life along with universal healthcare and welcoming culture, specially for the LGBTQ+ community. These factors and the scenic beauty combined with a strong economy, makes it an attractive place to live and work, encouraging a healthy work life balance.

10. Brazil

        Brazil, the only South American country in this list, provides substantial benefits like generous sick pay and maternity leave. Its government backed healthcare system helps ensure a balanced life for its citizens, despite its large population of over 216 million.

As the demarcation between personal and professional life continues to obscure, countries worldwide are understanding the importance and need of supporting their people in attaining a healthy work life balance. The leaders in Remote’s Global Life Work Balance Index manifests that with the help of right policies and practices, it is possible to nurture environments where workers can thrive both personally and professionally . As more countries aim to improve their standings, these examples provide significant revelation into creating a balanced and fulfilling work environment.