On the subject of work-life balance, those who live in Denmark win hands down. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 2015 Better Life Index, considering the number of hours spent on work vis-a-vis the amount of time for personal activities, the following are the countries that have the best work-life balance:
#1 Denmark
This country's success rate is owed largely to shortened working weeks coupled with work environments that are conducive for families. Around 98% of Danes in full-time employment rarely or never have to work beyond regular hours. Families and single parents with young children enjoy generous state support. The state spending for family benefits is almost two times the OECD average at over 4 percent GDP.
#2 Spain
While the Danes have the work-life balance down perfectly, the scales tip a bit more to personal and leisure for the Spanish. According to OECD, Spain workers spend 16.1 hours or 67 percent of the day on non-work activities. Of these, 8 percent have been seen to work very long hours.
Notably, the country has among the lowest fertility rates across Europe and a low rate of female employment.
#3 The Netherlands
Only 0.5 percent of workers in the Netherlands spend a very huge amount of time on work outside the standard hours. This, however, does not translate to longer hours on fun and family. The Dutch spends 15.4 hours per day on these.
Men and women enjoy a good level of gender equality in terms of employment and shared responsibilities at home. They are also well-supported by state benefits.
#4 Belgium
Work-life balance for the Belgians is characterised by work flexibility and the ability to spend a good amount of time dedicated to family and friends. Around 5 percent of employees in Belgium burn the midnight oil, so to speak.
#5 Norway
At number 5, Norway's workers spend 15.6 hours a day on themselves, family and non-work activities. Around 3 percent of Norwegians work extra long hours.
See Also:
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