Work-life balance is crucial for quality of life and satisfaction. But which country offers the best conditions for a harmonious relationship between work and leisure?
A good work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it is essential for personal well-being and productivity. But what exactly does it look like in different countries around the world? A comprehensive analysis has identified the top 15 countries that offer optimal conditions for employees.
This ranking took into account factors such as average working hours, commuting time, amount of sleep before a working day and break time. Each country also received an overall score for work quality, which shows how well these aspects work together. The results are based on data from a recent study by Remitly.
Editorial team finanzen.net
16th place: The ranking
The ranking is based on a current study by Remitly, which focuses on various factors of work-life balance. The average working time, sleep duration, commuting time and break time were assessed, supplemented by an overall value for work quality (maximum 100 points). The data comes from internationally recognized sources and shows that a good work-life balance depends on both cultural and economic conditions. The top 15 offer inspiration for other countries to further optimize working models and make everyday life easier for employees.
Source: Remitly, Image: Maria Skaldina / Shutterstock.com
15th place: Norway
Norway completes the ranking with 51 points and impresses with its high standards of living. The average working time is 7 hours and 38 minutes per day, while the commute time is 42 minutes. Employees sleep 6 hours and 53 minutes before a working day and have a 50-minute break. Norway’s nature-loving lifestyle and social security system significantly promote work-life balance.
Source: Remitly, Image: istock/Ekely
14th place: Italy
Italy scores with a working time of 7 hours and 48 minutes per day and a commute time of 50 minutes. Employees have an average break of 37 minutes and sleep 6 hours and 41 minutes before a working day. The Italian way of life, characterized by enjoyment and family, contributes significantly to a balanced everyday working life, despite the challenges in the labor market.
Source: Remitly, Image: leoks / Shutterstock.com
13th place: Spain
Spain brings a breath of fresh air to the ranking with its relaxed lifestyle and is in 13th place with 52 points. The average working time is 7 hours and 43 minutes per day, while the commute time is comparatively short at 44 minutes. With 6 hours and 43 minutes of sleep and 35 minutes of rest, the country reflects a balance between efficiency and enjoyment of life that is typical of Spanish culture.
Source: Remitly, Image: istock/Andrew Chambers
12th place: Germany
With 52 points, Germany ranks 12th and offers a strong foundation for professional and personal balance. Employees spend 7 hours and 55 minutes at work every day and have a commute time of 47 minutes. The average sleep time of 6 hours and 47 minutes and a 41-minute break reflect the efficiency of the German work culture, which still leaves room for regeneration.
Source: Remitly, Image: Christian Müller / Shutterstock.com
11th place: Austria
Austria takes 11th place in the ranking with 53 points and is known for its high standards in work culture. The average working time is 8 hours per day, while the commute time is 41 minutes. Employees sleep an average of 6 hours and 43 minutes before a work day and benefit from 40 minutes of rest, creating a good balance between work and rest.
Source: Remitly, Image: PhotoBarmaley
10th place: Czech Republic
The Czech Republic impresses with an average working time of 8 hours and 2 minutes per day. Employees enjoy a 45-minute break and have a commute time of 45 minutes – a value that performs solidly in international comparison. Despite longer working hours, a good work-life balance is achieved, which is supported by the country’s efficient way of working.
Source: Remitly, Image: MICHAL CIZEK/AFP/Getty Images
9th place: Belgium
Belgium scores with a well-thought-out everyday work routine. The average working time of 7 hours and 56 minutes is supplemented by a generous 52 minute break. Although the commute time of 63 minutes is one of the longer ones, the quality of the Belgian working environment ensures a good work-life balance.
Source: Remitly, Image: istock / Yuriy Kirsanov
8th place: Portugal
Portugal makes it into the top 10 with 54 points, thanks to working 7 hours and 52 minutes per day and 53 minutes rest. The commute time of 55 minutes is comparatively long, but is offset by the relaxed lifestyle and the culture of “savoir vivre”. Workers benefit from adequate sleep, with an average of 6 hours and 43 minutes.
Source: Remitly, Image: Philip Lange / Shutterstock.com
7th place: Netherlands
The Netherlands relies on a balanced daily structure with a working time of 7 hours and 54 minutes per day and a commute time of 49 minutes. The physical and mental health of employees is supported with 6 hours and 50 minutes of sleep and a 45-minute break. The country’s liberal and flexible work culture contributes significantly to high life satisfaction.
Source: Remitly, Image: Jasper J. Carton / pixelio.de
6th place: Sweden
In Sweden, employees benefit from a well-thought-out work culture. With an average working time of 7 hours and 59 minutes per day and a 50-minute break, relaxation and productivity are optimally balanced. The commute time of 46 minutes is moderate by international standards, and the sleep duration of 6 hours and 41 minutes ensures sufficient regeneration. Sweden proves how successfully family-friendly working conditions can be implemented.
Source: Remitly, Image: Stephanie Hofschlaeger / pixelio.de
5th place: New Zealand
As the only non-European country in the top 5, New Zealand impresses with a working time of 7 hours and 53 minutes and a commute time of just 43 minutes. Employees sleep an average of 6 hours and 45 minutes before a workday and can count on a 46-minute break. The strong connection to nature and the relaxed attitude to life in New Zealand are also reflected in the work-life balance.
Source: Remitly, Image: Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images
4th place: France
France, with 62 points, shows that a short working week does not mean lower productivity. Employees spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes per day at work, with the legally required 35-hour week contributing significantly to well-being. The commute time of 55 minutes and a 51-minute break allow for a sensible daily structure. France proves that clear working time regulations are a key factor for quality of life.
Source: Remitly, Image: dutourdumonde / Shutterstock.com
3rd place: Switzerland
Switzerland secured third place with 65 points and impressed with excellent living and working conditions. With a daily working time of 8 hours and 13 minutes and a generous break of 56 minutes, the country offers space for productive work and relaxation. An average commute time of 53 minutes is one of the longer in the ranking, but is compensated for by the high quality of life and developed local public transport.
Source: Remitly, Image: Basov Mikhail / Shutterstock.com
2nd place: Denmark
Denmark impressed with an overall score of 70 points, which puts them in second place. With a working day of 7 hours and 25 minutes per day and an average of 6 hours and 52 minutes of sleep before a working day, employees enjoy a well-thought-out balance. The manageable commute time of 42 minutes further reduces stress. Last but not least, the Danish concept of “Hygge” contributes to the emphasis on well-being and satisfaction in everyday working life.
Source: Remitly, Image: luis abrantes / Shutterstock.com
1st place: Finland
Finland is the undisputed top of this ranking and sets new standards in work-life balance. With an average working time of 7 hours and 44 minutes per day and a commute time of just 41 minutes, employees benefit from an efficient work culture. The additional sleep time of 6 hours and 47 minutes ensures rest and energy. These values result from decades of promoting flexible working models that have made Finland a role model worldwide.
Source: Remitly, Image: istock/Johan Ramberg