Balance between work and personal life is an important factor that can be considered the key to health and psychological well-being. That is why, when planning to move abroad, many expats pay attention to this indicator in order to understand how they will treat work in the future state.

When choosing the best country to move to in 2024, you should analyze the "Global Index of Balance between Life and Work", which usually pays attention to the following factors - the duration of annual leave, paid maternity leave, the minimum period of sick leave, the length of the working day and the amount free time, development of the health care system, happiness index, perception of the LGBTQ+ community, etc.

Which states are recognized as leaders? Top 8 countries with the best balance between work and personal life in 2024 in our material.

8th place - Great Britain

- Index of balance between life and work – 69.07 out of 100.

Great Britain ranked 8th in the world thanks to a developed national health care system, a high minimum wage and one of the best maternity leave systems in the world.

The duration of the working week in the country is only 25.6 hours per week (those who work full-time and part-time together), which is the shortest working week among all countries on the list. This allows people to have a lot of autonomy and engage in activities outside of work that bring them joy.

7th place - Netherlands

- Index of balance between life and work – 69.14 out of 100.

Workers in the Netherlands usually have clear boundaries between work and personal life, which means that laptops are always closed after 6:00 p.m., and weekends are only for rest. Only 0.5% of Dutch workers regularly work overtime. Instead, they devote about 16 hours a day to eating, sleeping and their own hobbies. It is also possible to note the high level of payments after entering maternity leave and the overall high standard of living.

6th place - Norway

- Index of balance between life and work – 73.05 out of 100.

Workers in Norway have the right to a long annual vacation, as well as a state-funded health care and education system. Long working weeks are rare, which means that you will have more time to explore everything that Oslo and other towns in the country have to offer.

In Norway, you will not be allowed to work more than 13 hours a day, including overtime, that is, you will have at least 11 free hours every day. You also have the right to rest for at least 35 consecutive hours during the working week. In addition, employees receive 25 days of annual leave.

5th place - Denmark

- Index of balance between life and work – 73.67 out of 100.

The working day in Denmark starts at 08:00 and ends at 16:00, when children need to be picked up from kindergarten and school. The maximum work after 16:00 is to answer several e-mails. Only 1% of Danish workers work more than 50 hours a week, which is much less than in other countries.

The country also offers 36 days of annual leave, which is one of the longest in the world. In addition, employees receive 100% of their salary during sick leave.

4th place - Australia

- Index of balance between life and work – 73.71 out of 100.

In Australia, full-time employees spend an average of 60% of their day, or 14.4 hours, on self-care (food, sleep, etc.) and leisure (socializing with friends and family, hobbies, games).

The moderate climate in the state became the second important factor for the study participants. Also, the employee can receive 100% of the salary for sick leave. Australia has the highest minimum wage of all the surveyed countries. In addition, the health care system, also known as Medicare, is recognized as one of the best in the world.

3rd place - France

- Index of balance between life and work – 75.34 out of 100.

People in France have 16 hours a day for themselves and leisure. Usually the working day starts at 10:00 and ends at 19:00. Only 8% of workers work more than 50 hours a week. Also, in France, one of the longest annual vacations is 36 days a year.

In general, French culture promotes relaxation and rest. For example, at any time of the day you can see people sitting and relaxing in local cafes, especially if the weather is good outside.

Of course, Paris is the leader in the number of expats in France, but keep in mind that outside the capital there are hundreds of small villages and towns that offer a slower pace of life.

2nd place - Spain

- Index of balance between life and work – 75.55 out of 100.

Spain takes the second place in the ranking thanks to the annual vacation of 26 days. Also, Spaniards devote more hours a day to themselves.

Previously, the traditional working day lasted approximately from 08:30 to 13:30 with a one- or two-hour siesta, and ended at 19:00 or 20:00. Currently, such a practice is very rare. Most corporations now work until 6:00 p.m., and instead of a long lunch, the working week ends on Friday at 3:00 p.m.

Also, Spaniards very rarely talk about working abroad. Given Spain's rich culture, there's plenty to do when you're done.

1st place - New Zealand

- Index of balance between life and work – 79.35 out of 100.

New Zealand ranks first in the ranking of the best countries in the world for the balance between life and work, because the country has 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, which are supplemented by a relatively high minimum wage, 32 days of annual leave provided for by legislation and a minimum percentage of sick pay in about 80%.

The main priorities of people are family, well-being, rest, travel. Australians really consider their time very valuable, and work is only a means to an end, not their whole life.

In general, safe, economically developed, ecologically clean countries with a high level of social protection, advanced medicine and excellent living standards were included in the ranking of countries with the best balance between work and personal life. Moving to any country will be a good experience for an expat and will allow a foreigner not only to work, but also to devote time to himself and his family.

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.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

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

Medical insurance all over the world.