Rebecca Manzi Finland offers the best work-life balance: workers spend 6.47 hours at work, have a 52-minute daily break and get 7 hours and 25 minutes of sleep per night
A global study conducted by Remitly has identified the countries offering the best work-life balance, analyzing the habits and perceptions of workers across 22 nations. Based on data collected from over 4,200 participants, the study examined factors such as daily working hours, commuting times, sleep duration before a workday, and time allocated for breaks. It also evaluated overall job satisfaction and the likelihood of employees leaving their country to seek better working conditions.
Finland: leading the way with flexible work policies
Finland emerged as the top-ranking country, scoring 73 out of 100 for its exceptional work-life balance. Finnish workers typically spend less than eight hours a day at work and manage to sleep nearly seven hours each night. With average daily commutes of 41 minutes and breaks lasting around 52 minutes, the Finnish approach to flexible work arrangements has been a cornerstone of government policies for decades. These measures significantly enhance workers’ health and happiness.
Denmark: a close second with high job satisfaction
Denmark secured second place with a score of 70 out of 100. Danish workers reported the highest satisfaction levels in the study, rating their professional lives at 7.6 out of 10. They enjoy an average workday of seven hours and 25 minutes and commute for approximately 42 minutes. Denmark’s high quality of life is supported by robust social services, excellent education, and accessible healthcare systems, all contributing to a positive work-life balance.
Switzerland: strong policies ensure rest despite longer hours
Switzerland ranked third with a score of 65. While Swiss employees work slightly longer days, exceeding eight hours, they still achieve around seven hours of sleep each night and take average breaks of 56 minutes. Swiss labor law, or Arbeitsgesetz, mandates proportional breaks and rest periods, including at least 11 hours between shifts, fostering a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Mobility trends: workers seek better opportunities abroad
The survey also highlighted significant mobility trends, with around 30% of respondents planning to move abroad within the next five years to improve their work conditions. Countries such as Brazil and the United States were noted for having some of the longest working days.
The complete ranking of countries with the best work-life balance
- Finland
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- France
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Austria
- Germany
- Spain
- Canada
- Brazil
- United Kingdom
- Hungary
- United States
- Ireland
- Norway
- Australia
Source: Remitly
