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European Life-Work Balance Index 2025

Thinking of relocating for a better quality of life in 2025? Find out which European countries have the best life-work balance.

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Why Europe's top life-work balance countries stand out

As our recent Global Life-Work Balance Index made clear, Europe is the leading continent for life-work balance: seven European countries made the top ten in this year’s global study, with the top 20 populated by no less than 16 European nations.

But which countries in Europe stand above the rest? While some nations are implementing strong employee-centric policies, others have more restrictive or outdated approaches.  Europe may lead the way for life-work balance, but this doesn’t mean European businesses can take employee wellbeing for granted.

After launching our leading European study in 2022, we refine and publish the report annually to shine a light on the changing face of life-work balance in Europe. The countries that rank highest typically excel in areas like statutory annual leave and maternity pay, while factors like public safety and healthcare are also key indicators of a people-first approach.

Preparing to relocate to a European country in 2025? Discover which nations put life first, work second.

The best European countries for life-work balance in 2025

After reviewing a number of important workplace factors such as statutory leave entitlement, minimum wage, healthcare access, and average working hours, we assigned each European country a score out of 100. Starting with the highest scorer, here’s how each of Europe’s nations ranked for their life-work balance.

Rank

Country & Capital City

2025 Country Population

Index Score / 100

Statutory annual leave

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Minimum statutory sick pay percentage

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Paid maternity leave and payment rate

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Minimum wage

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Healthcare system

Happiness index

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Average hours per week per employed person

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

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Safety: Global Peace Index Ranking

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Mimimum wage (local currency per hour unless otherwise stated)

1

Ireland, Dublin

5,308,040

82.89

20 10

70 - 100%

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26 70

13.96

Universal government-funded health system

6.89

34.30

72

1.12

2

Iceland, Reykjavik

398,266

77.98

24 16

80 - 100%

26 80

0

Universal government-funded health system

7.52

35.20

94

1.11

0

3

Belgium, Brussels

11,758,600

76.41

20 10

80 - 100%

15 75

14.58

Public insurance system

6.91

34.10

74

1.51

4

Denmark, Copenhagen

6,002,510

74.24

25 10

80 - 100%

18 100

0

Universal government-funded health system

7.52

32.50

80

1.38

0

5

Germany, Berlin

84,075,100

73.14

20 9

80 - 100%

14 100

15.16

Public-private social insurance system

6.75

33.20

81

1.54

6

Slovenia, Ljubljana

2,117,070

71.89

20 15

80 - 100%

15 100

7.64

Public insurance system

6.79

37.60

66

1.40

7

Finland, Helsinki

5,623,330

71.84

24 14

80 - 100%

15 80

0

Universal government-funded health system

7.74

33.80

74

1.47

0

8

Norway, Oslo

5,623,070

71.77

25 10

80 - 100%

49 100

0

Universal government-funded health system

7.26

32.60

87

1.64

0

9

Portugal, Lisbon

10,411,800

70.67

22 13

Less than 60% of wages

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6 100

5.60

Universal government-funded health system

6.01

37.20

76

1.37

10

Spain, Madrid

47,890,000

70.13

23 8

Less than 60% of wages

16 100

8.39

Universal government-funded health system

6.47

36.30

83

1.60

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Top 10 countries in Europe for life-work balance

ireland-employment-guide

1. Ireland

Overall index score: 82.89

Holding on to the number one spot following a significant jump in 2024, Ireland remains the best country in Europe to live and work. In fact, the Emerald Isle has improved its life-work balance score by over four points this year, owing to a further improved safety score (the Global Peace Index rates Ireland as one of Europe’s safest countries) and a reduction in average weekly working hours.

With a hard-working yet warm and inclusive workplace culture, Ireland is one of Europe’s happiest countries too, with a strong Happiness Index score. And while there’s a relatively high cost of living (especially in cities like Dublin), this is offset by a generous minimum wage. At the equivalent of $13.96 per hour, Ireland’s is the sixth-highest in Europe.

Ireland employment guide
iceland-employment-guide

2. Iceland

Overall index score: 77.98

Just a single consonant (and roughly 900 miles of very chilly ocean) separates Ireland from Iceland, and the two countries share a similar attitude about life-work balance. Iceland may have a relatively tiny population (c. 398,000) in comparison to most other European nations, but it’s also one of Europe’s most employee-friendly countries.

In fact, the “Land of Fire and Ice” (a reference to its multiple volcanoes and glaciers) is considered Europe’s safest and most LGBTQ+-friendly country. Plus, like many of its Nordic neighbours, it’s one of Europe’s happiest nations. Only Finland has a higher score in this regard, with Iceland’s contentment likely influenced by a very generous annual leave entitlement of 40 days, including public holidays.

Iceland employment guide
belgium-employment-guide

3. Belgium

Overall index score: 76.41

Jumping one place from fourth in 2024 to third in this year’s index, Belgium has steadily cemented a reputation as one of the best countries in Europe for life-work balance. While it doesn’t top the rankings for any specific metric, Belgium scores consistently well across the board. The fact that it’s one of the world’s finest purveyors of chocolate surely helps, too.

Of all the countries in Europe, only Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, and Germany offer a higher minimum wage than Belgium’s, the equivalent of $14.58 per hour. Belgians also leave plenty of room for out-of-work endeavours, with an average working week of just 34.1 hours, while the country also has one of the highest public happiness scores outside of the Nordic region.

Belgium employment guide
denmark-employment-guide

4. Denmark

Overall index score: 74.24

Many outsiders associate Denmark with a high quality of life, and with good reason — the country introduced the world to the comforting concept of “hygge”, after all. That aside, the Danes are seen (in the words of Danish-born actor Mads Mikkelsen) as masters of “keeping life and work in perfect balance.”

For one thing, Denmark ranks behind only Finland (and level with Iceland) when it comes to public happiness, while at 32.5 hours it also has Europe’s second-shortest average working week — only the Dutch enjoy more free time than the Danes. Denmark’s policies on statutory annual leave, sick pay, and maternity pay are also among Europe’s most generous.

Denmark employment guide
germany-employment-guide

5. Germany

Overall index score: 73.18

Ask most people to describe a typical German workplace and you’ll likely hear terms like “pragmatic,” “punctual,” or “professional.” But while these traits are often recognised as hallmarks of Germany’s work culture, the country is becoming equally synonymous with a healthy life-work balance.

Rising two places this year, Germany's strong performance is partly down to an increase in statutory sick pay, as well as marked improvements in public safety, happiness, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Germany also boasts one of the continent's highest minimum wages (equivalent to $15.16 per hour, making it the third-highest in Europe) and one of its shortest average working weeks (33.2 hours). 

Germany employment guide
slovenia-employment-guide

6. Slovenia

Overall index score: 71.89

Rising three spots from 9th in 2025, Slovenia may not be the first country you think of if you’re considering relocating for work, but it shouldn’t be overlooked — not least because it boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in Europe (Lake Bled is a must-see) but also because the country is relatively affordable and employee-friendly.

One downside is that the average Slovenian working week (37.6 hours) is longer than any other country in the top ten, but on the other hand, Slovenia offers a fairly generous statutory leave entitlement and healthy rates of sick and maternity pay. It’s also considered to be one of the safest European countries to live in, potentially making it a good option for expat families.

Slovenia employment guide
finland-employment-guide

7. Finland

Overall index score: 71.84

Finland is synonymous with happiness. Ranked as the world’s happiest country for the past eight years, the Finns’ contentment comes down to a combination of factors, such as its low crime rates, high-quality education, gender equality, strong social support system, and its championing of “Everyman's Right” to roam freely among nature.

Finland’s workplace culture is likely also a big driver of its high happiness rating, with free time seen as essential. The average working week is just 33.8 hours (one of the shortest in Europe), and an entitlement of 38 days' statutory annual leave, including public holidays, makes Finland one of the most generous countries when it comes to allowing employees to take time off.

Finland employment guide
norway-employment-guide

8. Norway

Overall index score: 71.77

Norway may have dropped two places this year, but the “Land of the Midnight Sun” remains synonymous with a strong, inclusive workplace culture. The winters may be long and dark, and the cost of living isn’t low, but Norway boasts high living standards and a life-first attitude where spending time outdoors is almost seen as non-negotiable.

Of the countries in the top ten, only Denmark has a shorter average working week than Norway’s 32.6 hours, while the country is considered the second-most LGBTQ+-friendly country in Europe, behind Iceland. And like many of its neighbours in the Viking Homelands, Norway is among Europe’s most contented nations, with a happiness score of 9.39.

Norway employment guide
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9. Portugal

Overall index score: 70.67

Portugal has entered the top 10 in 2025, rising three places from 12th last year. The country places a strong value on maintaining a healthy work culture, one that balances professional responsibility while making time for friends, family and leisure outside of the workplace. It’s also one of the safest countries to live in Europe, placing fifth overall behind only Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, and Iceland. 

Elsewhere, statutory annual leave is amongst the best on the continent. When working in Portugal, you’re entitled to 35 days of paid leave, including public holidays. The country's relative safety alongside its warm climate and abundance of recreational activities and events make Portugal one of the best destinations in Europe to live and work. 

Portugal employment guide

Learn more
spain-employment-guide

10. Spain

Overall index score: 70.13

In addition to almost year-round sunshine, some of Europe’s finest cuisine, and a relaxed culture which may or may not mandate an afternoon “siesta”, Spain is building a reputation as one of Europe’s leading countries for employee wellbeing. 

Spain may have quite a long average working week (36.3 hours) compared to many of its European counterparts, but the country’s statutory annual leave policy (31 days of paid leave, including public holidays) is among the most generous in Europe. Spain also boasts a strong expat community, which (along with its favourable climate) may be a particular draw for those looking to relocate. 

Spain employment guide

Spain employment guide

Want to compare against previous results?

Which European countries have improved their life-work balance in 2025? Which nations have fallen behind? Download Remote’s past studies to see which countries ranked where.

Get the 2024 results Get the 2023 results

Europe’s strongest performers in 2025

Ireland leads the way again

For a second year running, Ireland ranks as the country with the best life-work balance in Europe. The country's 2025 score improved by over four points due to an increased public safety score and a shorter average working week. 

The Nordics perform well

Known for being among the happiest and most employee-friendly countries in the world, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Finland all feature in the top 10 for life-work balance. Iceland is in second place, with Denmark also in the top five. 

Belgium enters the top three

After placing fourth last year, Belgium breaks into the top three for the first time in 2025. The country has seen quite a significant jump in minimum wage, which is now one of the highest in Europe behind Luxembourg, the UK and Germany. 

Europe’s strongest performers in 2025

European life-work balance highlights

The Dutch enjoy the most free time

At just 30.5 hours, the Netherlands has the shortest average working week of any country in Europe. In contrast, Montenegro is Europe’s most overworked country, with Montenegrin employees working an average of 43.5 hours a week.

Iceland is Europe’s safest country

According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in Europe — and indeed the world — making it an ideal place to live and work. Austria and Ireland are also considered to be very safe for families.

Finland remains the happiest nation

Finland retains its reputation as Europe’s happiest country, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and social support. Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Norway are also among Europe’s most contented nations.

European life-work balance highlights

Life-work balance shifts in 2025

Lithuania sees the biggest jump

With an improvement of more than five points, Lithuania rises from 30th in 2024 to 23rd this year. This is mainly due to an increased minimum wage, as well as a reduction in working hours and an upturn in LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

The UK improves significantly

The United Kingdom sees one of this year’s biggest turnarounds, with its score improving by 5.62 points. Rising from 18th to 13th, the UK’s progression owes partly to an increase in minimum wage and a higher public safety score.

Sweden drops five places

Despite remaining one of Europe’s happiest nations, Sweden sees a notable drop-off in 2025 — slipping from 16th to 21st. This is partly attributed to a reduction in public safety and a perceived decline in LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

Life-work balance shifts in 2025

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Work-life balance in Europe: What it really means 

In 2025, the conversation around how we live and work has shifted — not just in semantics, but in substance. We no longer talk about work-life balance. We talk about life-work balance. Because in a world of rapid tech advancement and evolving societal expectations, the priority has become clearer: life comes first. Work should fit around it, not the other way around.

Across Europe, governments, businesses, and workers themselves are redefining what it means to live and work well. Life-work balance now ranks as the top global priority for employees, surpassing pay. People want the time to care for family, to pursue passion projects, to recharge. They want the freedom to work when and where they’re most productive. And they want systems that protect their right to disconnect.

Of course, at Remote we recognise that life-work balance means different things to different people in different cultures. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all definition, the goal of our study is to highlight the core statutory benefits and workplace systems across Europe that support a healthy life-work balance.

Work is everywhere - and always "on"

With the rise of hybrid and remote work, our homes have become offices, and the 9-to-5 is fading fast. While flexibility is freeing, it's also made it harder to switch off. Without clear boundaries, the risk of burnout increases. 

Employees are demanding more than paychecks

Our recent Global Workforce Report shows that almost two-thirds of companies have seen a spike in requests for flexible work. For many employees, flexibility and wellbeing now outrank pay as primary motivators. 

Economic uncertainty is squeezing workers

Rising living costs, inflation, and job insecurity are forcing many people to overextend themselves to stay afloat. In this climate, a strong life-work balance can be a buffer against chronic stress, anxiety, and long-term burnout.

Technology is accelerating change

 While AI is improving efficiency, it's also driving a need to adapt and upskill. Workers are navigating change and new opportunities in their roles and futures, making mental resilience - supported by time to rest and recharge - more critical than ever. 

Caregiving responsibilities are growing

Whether it’s raising children or supporting ageing family members, caregiving is a central part of life for millions. In 2025, most households are juggling work with some form of care, and without supportive policies, something always has to give.

Cultural values are evolving

Younger generations entering the workforce are rejecting hustle culture. They're choosing careers that support living, not just working. And forward-thinking companies and countries are listening, especially across Europe. 

“In 2025, the idea that productivity must come at the expense of our health or our personal time is being challenged in a serious way. This is especially the case across Europe, where policies are starting to reflect the simple truth that people are not machines. But life-work balance is about more than just working fewer hours. Employees must be given the time, space, and trust to live fully. When people feel like their lives outside of work are respected, they show up with more focus and resilience. And that’s clearly good for business.”

Barbara Matthews – Chief People Officer

But while Europe is undeniably a leader for life-work balance, not all regions are keeping pace. In countries where long hours and minimal leave remain the norm, burnout is always around the corner. Without systemic changes, these nations risk talent attrition and economic stagnation, with exhausted and disillusioned workforces.

At Remote, we believe life-work balance should never be a luxury. People do their best work when they’re given space to live fully outside of it.

European Life-Work Balance Index: Survey Methodology

Global HR specialists Remote conducted an index data analysis of the countries in Europe to see which nations offer employees the best life-work balance. 

The study reviewed the following indicators:

  • Statutory annual leave (total days of paid leave, including public holidays)
  • Minimum statutory sick pay (percent of wage, or a flat amount)
  • Statutory maternity leave (weeks paid)
  • Statutory maternity leave payment rate (percent of wage) 
  • Minimum wage (USD per hour)
  • Healthcare status 
  • Happiness index score (1-10, 10 being highest)
  • Average hours per week per employed person
  • LGBTQ+ Inclusivity (0-100, 100 being highest to reflect the Legal Index scores the legal rights and freedoms LGBTQ+ people have while the Public Opinion Index scores how the general public feels in each region.)
  • Safety: Global Peace Index (1-4, lower is better)

The goal was to accurately represent each country’s life-work balance, tweaking the familiar concept of “work-life balance” to showcase how businesses in each country are looking after the lives of their employees and putting life before work. 

The metrics were adjusted with index weights to reflect their relative importance, giving each country an overall score out of 100. All data points are ranked highest to lowest, apart from the healthcare rating which is ranked out of 5 (with 1 being the best) and average hours worked per week and the safety score, which are both ranked lowest best. The data was pulled and analysed between April and June 2025.

Please note that, as a weighted index, the score per country is based on how each country compares to the other nations in the list, providing a unique comparison for each regional list. Therefore, the index score given for countries in both the European and Global rankings will differ.