Forbes Advisor has created a ranking of the world's best cities for balancing career and personal life. To create the ranking, 128 cities were compared and evaluated on a 100-point scale. Learn more about the cities with the highest work-life balance index

Over the past few years, remote working has become the norm for many companies, requiring a new approach to maintaining a good work-life balance. This highlights the importance of employee well-being, which affects their job satisfaction and commitment. A large study in the UK found that more than half of British workers are willing to accept even low-paying jobs if they can achieve a better work-life balance.

Evaluation criteria for the Work-Life Balance Score

To create the ranking, the authors of the Forbes Advisor study analysed 128 major cities around the world and identified which ones have the best employee well-being indicators, giving each of them a score on a 100-point scale.

The following factors were taken into account in the assessment:

1. Gender Inequality Index score;

2. Average working hours;

3. Minimum statutory annual leave;

4. Property price to income ratio;

5. Share of vacancies with remote and hybrid work;

6. Policy on maternity leave;

7. Parks and nature reserves per capita;

8. Unemployment rate;

9. Number of hours of sunshine.

Based on these factors, Forbes Advisor has ranked the world's cities with the best work-life balance.

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If you are planning a long trip to one of these cities, be sure to take out a health insurance policy, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses while travelling.  You can buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal. Follow the link, select your citizenship and country of destination and look for a policy that meets your specific requirements.

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Copenhagen, Denmark

Work-Life Balance Score: 70.5

Copenhagen is known as an ideal city for a balanced life and career. It pays special attention to sustainable development and a comfortable environment for residents. Infrastructure and public transport help residents get to any part of the city quickly and conveniently, and green spaces create an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Many companies in Copenhagen are committed to "hygge" values in the workplace, which means providing a calm and cosy environment for employees. Flexible working hours and long annual leave allow people to enjoy life and relax without prioritising work alone.

In addition, the low unemployment rate and fair parental leave make Copenhagen an ideal place to develop both your personal and professional life.

Helsinki, Finland

Work-Life Balance Score: 65.1

Helsinki is considered one of the best cities for a balanced life and career. The Finnish capital is famous for its progressive social policies, especially in the area of parental leave. Finland is recognised as a leader in the World Happiness Index, which is a testament to the successful implementation of the values of a healthy and balanced life.

According to many residents, flexible working hours help to effectively combine career and personal life. Most job openings in Helsinki offer remote or hybrid work options, which is an important step towards ensuring employee comfort and health.

Stockholm, Sweden

Work-Life Balance Score: 64.8

In Sweden, employees have a variety of opportunities for a balanced life and career development. The law guarantees at least 25 days of annual leave for full-time employees. Employers are also actively implementing flexible working hours, which allows employees to effectively combine work and personal life.

Almost half of the vacancies (46%) are open for hybrid or remote work, which is an additional factor for employee comfort. In addition, Swedish employers provide generous parental leave. Upon the birth of a child, parents can take up to 480 days of paid leave, with 240 days available for each parent. These initiatives demonstrate the country's concern for the well-being and health of its citizens.

Oslo, Norway

Work-Life Balance Score: 63.2

Oslo is an expensive city, but it is known for its high salaries and excellent quality of life. Many companies in the Norwegian capital are introducing flexible work arrangements, which give employees the opportunity to manage their schedule and balance work and personal life. This allows you to attend meetings, spend time with family and friends, and develop interests outside your professional life. 

Undoubtedly, this approach contributes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is an important factor in ensuring employee happiness and satisfaction. Thanks to such initiatives, Oslo has been ranked sixth in the World Happiness Index, which reflects the importance of values and attitudes towards quality of life in this city.

Auckland, New Zealand

Work-Life Balance Score: 62.7

Auckland is a city that is renowned for its high quality of life and work, ranking first outside of Europe on the Work-Life Balance Index. It offers a comfortable and friendly atmosphere, making it an attractive place to live and work. 

The average number of working hours per week is 26.3 hours, which allows residents to enjoy life in the city and have enough free time. Full-time employees are entitled to four weeks of paid holiday and 11 public holidays each year, which helps to maintain a work-life balance.

The unemployment rate in Auckland is also low, at just 3.2%, which is an important factor in the city's stability and economic well-being. All these factors make Auckland an attractive destination for those looking for a good work-life balance.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Work-Life Balance Score: 60.7

Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, is renowned for its perfect work-life balance. Employees here can enjoy 25 days of annual leave. Most companies in the city offer flexible working hours, including remote or hybrid employment. 

According to statistics, 42% of vacancies are advertised with the option to work remotely. This flexibility allows the people of Gothenburg to effectively combine work with personal commitments and enjoy life in this beautiful city.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Work-Life Balance Score: 58.7

The Icelandic government actively promotes a healthy work-life balance, which has led to the introduction of flexible working models in many companies. Employees are entitled to 24 days of annual leave, as well as 12 public holidays. 

46% of jobs are offered in the form of remote or hybrid employment. This allows employees to enjoy more free time and flexibility in their work, which contributes to their overall well-being and life satisfaction. This approach to work has a positive impact on the quality of life and efficiency of employees, making Iceland an attractive place to work and live.

Vienna, Austria

Work-Life Balance Score: 58.5

Open to its people, the Austrian capital offers an extensive network of social services, including free healthcare and education. This commitment to the community has helped Austria to maintain its high ranking in the World Happiness Index. 

Productive employees can count on five weeks of annual leave, based on hours worked, as well as 13 public holidays. The low unemployment rate of only 2.3% is a testament to the country's stability and economic dynamism.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Work-Life Balance Score: 57.1

Edinburgh is deservedly recognised as an ideal city for work-life balance in the UK. A wide range of leisure events and activities allow residents to enjoy outdoor activities in their free time. 

A generous 28 days' annual leave policy ensures that employees have plenty of time to rejuvenate and develop interests outside of work. In addition, employees who become parents have the opportunity to take advantage of maternity leave. Regardless of employment status, all employees are entitled to 39 weeks' minimum wage, which supports their financial stability and sense of security.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Work-Life Balance Score: 57

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, combines shades of modernity and history. Belfast's atmosphere creates a comfortable environment for career growth without sacrificing quality of life. Thanks to the development of technology, the city has become home to such large corporations as Deloitte, City Group and Allstate, which opens up ample employment opportunities.

The cost of living in Belfast is more affordable than in many other UK cities, and generous maternity leave allows parents to enjoy time with their children without losing financial stability.

Belfast offers residents and workers alike a wide range of leisure and recreational opportunities. Whether you choose green parks, historical landmarks or modern cafés and restaurants, this city has everything to make your time here unforgettable.

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

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Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

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