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Having a healthy work-life balance can have a very positive impact on health and well-being. This is one of the first things expats consider before moving to a new country. Work-life balance determines what kind of lifestyle you lead and even how happy you are while living in a new country. If you are trying to decide which country to move you can consider these 10 countries offering the best work-life balance for expats:
New Zealand
10 Countries Offering the Best Work-Life Balance for Expats
For many years now, New Zealand has been highly ranked as offering the best work-life balance for its residents as well as expats who move to the country for work. The country offers its female workforce up to 26 paid weeks of maternity leave, 32 days of statutory annual leave, a minimum of 80% statutory sick pay percentage, and a high minimum wage. The work culture is pretty relaxed. New Zealand is an excellent option for expats looking to have a new start on their careers while having an outstanding work-life balance.
Spain
With 26 days of statutory annual leave, a short working week, and less than 3% of the working population working paid overtime, Spain has developed a reputation for offering an outstanding work-life balance. A large part of the country’s population dedicates most of their day to leisure and personal time rather than to work, enabling the workforce to prioritize their well-being over work. On average, the workforce in Spain spends less than 38 hours a week working with some companies that even offer long lunch breaks and early days off on Fridays. Spain is another good option for expats who want a great work-life balance and enough time for personal activities in a day.
Denmark
Denmark is another country that offers its working residents and expats a relatively short work week with an average of about 39 hours. Over three-quarters of the population in the country positively rate their work-life balance, proving the excellent work-life balance that is offered in Denmark. Workers also receive a range of benefits, including 36 days of paid annual leave, 100% sick pay, and universal healthcare support. The Danish also have a positive work culture emphasizing the importance of a great work-life balance, which presents an excellent option for expats looking to change their careers. This is also highlighted by the fact that only about 1% of the working population work overtime.
Netherlands
Ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, the working population of the Netherlands enjoys a healthy work-life balance, contributing to the overall happiness of the population. The average working week in the country is less than 30 hours, enabling employees to balance their personal and professional lives well. Employees are granted at least 20 days of paid leave in addition to many national holidays in the country. Parental leave policies are generous and give both parents enough leave to spend with their children. Additionally, many Dutch workplaces discourage overtime and promote efficiency during working hours, making the country a great option for an excellent work-life balance.
Norway
Focusing on flexible working hours and paid leave has enabled Norway to be ranked as one of the countries with the best work-life balance in the world for the workforce in the country, including expats. On average, employees work less than 38 hours a week, less than the global average. The work culture in the country enables employees to have enough time for their personal lives, with employees being allowed to work up to 13 hours per 24 hours, including overtime. Employees also get about 25 days of statutory leave, in addition to access to generous parental leaves, with new parents getting up to 49 weeks of leave with full pay, which can be extended up to 59 weeks at 80% pay. While there are many perks of being an employee in the country, some expats in Norway argue that the cost of living in the country can get relatively high.
France
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance in France is a fundamental right for employees, and this right extends to the work culture that expats enter when they move to the country. French law states that employees must spend a minimum of 11 consecutive hours away from work. This enables employees to have a short work week of about 35 hours per week and long lunch hours, with only about 8% of the workforce working overtime and going over 50 hours per week. Employees in the country also enjoy 36 days of statutory annual leave, which contributes to the country’s positive work-life balance. The workforce has enough time to spend on their personal lives and are rarely overworked.
Italy
Expats looking to have an outstanding work-life balance can consider Italy because of the various benefits that employees receive in the country. Italy offers residents and expats a great work-life balance, with only 3% of the workforce in the country working more than 50 hours a week. The standard working week in the country is about 40 hours, and residents spend over an hour more than the global average on their personal lives and leisure. Statutory maternity leave is about five months for mothers with a minimum of 80% pay, and fathers are granted ten days of paternity leave. Parents can also take up to 11 months of shared parental leave during the first 12 years of their child’s life. The country offers an exceptional work culture, which can positively impact the workforce.
Australia
With one of the highest minimum wages and among the shortest work weeks in the world. Australia offers its residents and the expats who live in the country a great work-life balance. Only about 13% of the country’s workforce tends to spend longer hours at work, and most employees are offered flexible working hours. Australia offers two weeks of paid sick leave, which can be increased based on the company you work for. The work culture in Australia is designed to prioritize time for socializing, hobbies, and outdoor activities, making it a great place for employees. The country also recently passed a law that gives employees the right to disconnect outside of work hours, ensuring that their personal lives are not interrupted by their professional lives.
Germany
Expats who prioritize and value their leisure time, family, and personal interests can consider a career in Germany. This is because Germany focuses on all these aspects and ensures that the workforce in the country has a healthy work-life balance. Only about 4% of the country’s workforce work long hours, while more than half of the workforce devote about fifteen and a half hours to their care and leisure. On average, employees work about eight hours a day or 40 hours a week, with some companies offering flexible hours. All workers in the country are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid leave annually, with the option to extend given to the head of companies. The overall work culture in the country is professional and efficient during work hours and relaxed during personal hours.
Hungary
The work hours in Hungary are at an average of about 40 hours a week, with a cap of 60 hours per week, as employees are not allowed to work more than 12 hours a day, with only about 2% of the workforce population working these long hours. The workforce in the country devotes 63% of their entire day to their personal lives. Workers get at least 20 days of paid time off and 15 days of sick leave yearly. Workers who require extra leave are also entitled to an absence fee from their employer, calculated based on their salary and other allowances. Parental leave can last up to three years, and options for cash-for-care payment are available to parents. The work culture in the country offers residents and expats a healthy work-life balance with sufficient paid leaves that keep most workers happy in their workplace.
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Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
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