Ideal Locations for Work-Life Balance
There’s no denying that having a good work-life balance is essential in promoting happiness and good relationships. However, in some parts of the world, it simply feels impossible to get that balance right. Whether it be societal expectations or integrated pressure from the government, it can be difficult to prioritize other aspects of your life. Let’s take a closer look at 21 countries with the best work-life balance in the world.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers citizens 32 days of statutory annual leave, as well as 26 weeks of paid maternity leave. The minimum wage is currently just under $ 16.50 per hour, and the country utilizes a universal healthcare system.
Ireland
This may come as a bit of a surprise, but Ireland has one of the best work-life balances in the world. With 30 days of statutory leave, citizens also have the right to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave. While the minimum wage is quite low at just $ 13, they also offer a universal healthcare system.
Belgium
Belgium offers employees 30 days of paid statutory leave, as well as 15 weeks of maternity leave. However, it is worth noting that mothers will have to take a 25% pay cut during this period.
Germany
Germany offers employees 30 days of statutory leave and 14 weeks of 100% paid maternity leave. The minimum wage is just over $ 15, making it one of the richest countries in the whole of Europe.
Norway
Norway offers employees 35 days of statutory leave. Perhaps the most impressive, however, is their maternity leave policy. Every mother has the right to 49 whole weeks of 100% paid maternity leave, which is by far the most offered by any country in the world.
Denmark
Danish employees can take up to 35 days of statutory leave, as well as an additional 18 weeks in the case of pregnancy. The country also makes use of a universal healthcare system.
Canada
Compared to the other countries mentioned on our list, Canada offers a dismal 17 days of statutory leave. However, they also offer 18 weeks of maternity leave. Generally, Canadians have a very good work-life balance, earning the country a spot on our list.
Australia
Australia offers 30 days of statutory leave, as well as 12 weeks of maternity leave, during which the mother is entitled to receive the minimum wage. This may sound unimpressive, but considering the country has one of the highest minimum wages in the world (just under $ 19 per hour), it’s definitely not as bad as it sounds.
Spain
Spain offers up to 36 days of statutory leave - the most in the whole of Europe. They also have a siesta, which is essentially a 2-3 hour rest period in the middle of every workday. Mothers will also receive 16 weeks of 100% paid maternity leave.
Finland
Finland is known for being one of the happiest countries in the world, and it’s easy to see why. They offer employees up to 36 days of statutory leave, as well as 15 weeks of maternity leave with 80% pay.
UK
The UK has one of the most comprehensive maternity leave policies in the world, offering mothers up to 39 weeks of leave with full pay. The minimum wage in the country is also pretty impressive at just under $ 16 per hour.
The Netherlands
If you work in the Netherlands, you will have access to 28 days of statutory leave per year. You will also have the right to 16 weeks of 100% paid maternity leave. One downside of living in the Netherlands is its completely private healthcare system, which can be incredibly pricey for the average worker.
Portugal
Portugal offers 31 days of statutory leave per year. While the Portuguese generally promote a healthy work-life balance, the country doesn’t offer a particularly strong maternity program. With only 6 weeks of 100% pay, it is one of the worst in Europe.
Argentina
With 29 days of statutory leave and a minimum wage of just under $ 15 per hour, Argentina is one of the best countries in South America for achieving a work-life balance. They also have a private-public healthcare system.
Austria
Austria is one of the most advanced countries in Europe, offering up to 38 days of statutory leave. Their maternity leave policy also dictates 16 weeks of 100% paid leave.
France
France offers 36 days of statutory leave, as well as a further 16 weeks of 100% maternity leave. With a minimum wage of $ 14 per hour, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to relocate to France for work opportunities.
Poland
While Poland’s minimum wage is only $ 6.50 per hour, it offers 33 days of statutory leave. On top of this, the country offers 20 whole weeks of 100% paid maternity leave, ensuring that mothers feel financially secure throughout their pregnancy.
Hungary
Hungary offers 33 days of statutory leave and a further 24 weeks of 100% paid maternity leave. Unfortunately, the country has a minimum wage of just under $ 4.50 per hour—the lowest on our list.
Czech Republic
There is a lot to love about working in the Czech Republic. For starters, the country offers 33 days of statutory leave and 28 weeks of maternity leave per year. They also make use of a public healthcare system. The only real downside is the low minimum wage ($4.80 per hour).
Sweden
Sweden is another Scandinavian country known for its happy population. With 34 days of statutory leave and 14 weeks of maternity leave on offer, it’s easy to see why.
Italy
Italy has one of the best work-life balances in the whole of Europe, and riposo plays a big part in this. Every day, between 12:00 and 3:00, locals take a break to relax and unwind. It is very similar to siesta in Spanish culture.
