A recent report uncovered the top countries known for offering a satisfying work-life balance, with the United States finding itself towards the bottom of the rankings.
The Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024 by Remote evaluated countries based on various workplace elements such as mandated annual holidays, paid maternal leave, and the average weekly work hours per employee.
Scoring 31.82 out of 100, the U.S. ranked 55th out of 60 nations, lagging significantly behind New Zealand, which claimed the top spot with a score of 80.76.
The top 10 countries in the study included:
- New Zealand – 80.76
- Ireland – 77.89
- Belgium – 73.45
- Denmark – 73.45
- Canada – 72.75
- Germany – 71.84
- Finland – 71.55
- Australia – 71.35
- Norway – 70.85
- Spain – 70.6
The report credited the U.S.’s low score to its “stringent” workplace regulations and below-average safety rating.
New Zealand stood out with a relaxed work culture, a high minimum wage, and generous annual leave of 32 days. Ireland, on the other hand, offered a government-funded healthcare system and a solid minimum wage.
Belgium and Denmark shared the third spot for different reasons – Belgium revamped its sick leave policy and advocated a “work to live” approach, boasting decent pay rates and a 35-hour workweek. Denmark’s high ranking was attributed to its happiness level, low occurrence of long work hours, 35-day annual leave entitlement, and its reputation as a safe haven.
Canada, also in the top 10, boasted a short 32.1-hour work week, a reputation for safety, and as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries.
Canadian work culture, described as professional yet inclusive, was contrasted with the U.S.’s work attitude, with the report highlighting the renowned friendliness and casualness of the Irish work environment.
Only a few countries on the index ranked lower than the U.S. in terms of work-life balance, including Turkey, Iraq, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Nigeria.
According to Driscoll, good work-life balance has significant benefits including improved productivity, reduced turnover, and enhanced employee satisfaction – all well-supported by various studies.