5 countries with the best work-life balance

Desire to find Work life balance This has led many to consider the possibility of living in countries that offer better conditions to achieve this.

In this sense, the technology company Human resources far away provided Global work-life balance table 2023It lists the countries that are leading in work-life harmony based on indicators such as Compulsory annual leaveMinimum percentage and amount of sick pay established by law Paid Maternity Leave.

At the same time, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported relevant data on working hours and time spent on leisure and personal care by residents of its 22 member countries.

New Zealand Stands out internationally for its workplace welfare policies, ranking first far away Thank you 26 weeks paid maternity leave, competitive minimum wage, 32 days annual leave and 80 percent of minimum sick pay.

However, all is not well in New Zealand. According to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data, 14% of employees work more than 50 hours per week, higher than the OECD average of 10 percent. Additionally, New Zealanders spend slightly less time on self-care and leisure than the OECD country average of 14.9 hours per day.

Spain is second in the index far away. This achievement is due to the labor policies of the country including till Statutory 26 days annual leaveand an average working day of 37.8 hours per week, 20 minutes longer than the European average. A striking feature is that only 2.5% of Spanish workers are overworkedA significantly lower number compared to other developed economies.

The data of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) points out Spaniards devote more time to leisure and personal careBesides, it surpasses almost all member states in this aspect Italy And France.

In an effort to adapt to contemporary changes without losing this essence, the Spanish government has sought ways to modernize the labor structure without compromising the well-being of its workers. An example of this is the initiative proposed by the then Prime Minister in 2016, which recommended ending the work day at 6:00 PM to further improve work-life balance.

Although this particular measure has not been universally implemented, there has been a significant decline in the length of traditional midday breaks and naps, practices that have long defined the pace of work in Spain.

However, this evolution does not mean the disappearance of customs designed to improve the quality of life of workers, such as the “intense day” during the summer. This practice allows employees to enjoy a free lunch, especially on Fridays, by leaving the office at 3:00 p.m. thus encouraging greater enjoyment of free time During the warmer months.

In DenmarkOnly 1% of its employees work more than 50 hours per week, placing themselves below the average. OECDThis is a far cry from countries like 10% and so on Italy There percentage is 3 percent.

This Nordic nation, known for its high quality of life, promotes a work culture that allows its citizens to devote around 15.7 hours a day to personal and leisure activities, thus exceeding the average set by the OECD.

Denmark has implemented policies that encourage flexibility in the workplace. The FlexJobs program, launched in 1998, allows workers to request alternative work schedules, as well as physically demanding tasks to suit individual needs.

This move comes with a generous benefits package, which includes: 36 days of annual statutory leaveWhich places? Denmark Among developed countries, there are more holidays. Also, in case of sickness, the workers are guaranteed 100% of your salary for sick days.

France provides its citizens with 16.2 hours per day for personal and leisure activitiesPositions itself only behind Italy In this aspect. In addition, according to the index, it ranks third globally far awayRegarding the harmony of work and personal life, thanks for that 36 days statutory annual leave.

Despite this, only 8% of employees in France work more than 50 hours a week, which is lower than the OECD average of 10%, but higher than many countries with better rankings for work-personal reconciliation.

According to data from OECDItalians spend on average 16.5 hours per day for personal care and leisure activities, thus exceeding the company average. This striking difference highlights the importance of Italian culture.”il dolce far niente” — the sweetness of doing nothing — turns this concept into a vivid and valuable reality.

Contrary to the opinion of some opponents who suggest a lack of work diligence, the Italian reality is an example of efficiency. “Italians work hard. They are simply productive,” said Andres Uribe Orozco, a Colombian lawyer in Rome. BBC.

According to statistics, only 3% of employees work more than 50 hours a week, notably lower than the OECD average of 10%. Uribe Orozco exemplifies the Italian work mentality: “They do what needs to be done, quickly, so they can enjoy a long coffee break.”

However, this model is accompanied by some drawbacks, such as high unemployment and low average wages compared to other countries in the region. OECD. Besides, Italy It ranks 22nd on the Work-Life Balance Index far awayIt considers other factors such as general happiness and inclusion LGBTQ+.

Daily performance can be hampered by a lack of work culture in certain departments, where activities such as going to the post office or completing paperwork take longer than expected.