Best life-work balance countries in Europe ranked
More and more, life-work balance is deeply ingrained in workplace culture. Employers are recognising that productivity isn’t tied to the amount of time an employee spends at their desk, or whether they travel to an office five days a week — hard work and success doesn’t have to come at the expense of employee wellbeing.
In 2024, Europe continues to lead the way, with European countries making up 7 of the top 10 nations in our study of global life-work balance. But which countries in Europe are best at prioritising their employees’ wellbeing?
The top 10 European countries for work-life balance in 2024
To reveal Europe’s most employee-friendly nations, we scored each European country out of 100 based on a combination of important work-related metrics, government policies, and cultural factors. The index score is based on a weighted comparison of the metrics, judging each country in the European sample against the other countries in the continent to provide a Europe-specific ranking score. The 10 countries below achieved the highest scores in 2024.
To find out where other countries ranked, click show more to see the full data table featuring all European nations.
| Rank | Country & Capital City | 2024 Country Population | Index Score / 100 | Statutory annual leave Days | Minimum statutory sick pay percentage % of pay | Paid maternity "Paid maternity
leave and
payment rate " weeks and wage % | Minimum wage USD/hr
(Dividing annual minimum wage rate by 52 weeks and then by the length of the standard hour workweek.) | Healthcare system | Happiness index Out of 10 | Average hours per week per employed person | LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Out of 100 | Safety: Global Peace Index Ranking 1-4, lower is better |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ireland, Dublin | 5,089,478 | 78.67 | 30 | 70 | 26 27.3 | 13.96 | Government-funded system | 6.83 | 35.58 | 76 | 1.31 |
2 | Iceland, Reykjavik | 377,689 | 76.77 | 38 | 100 | 26 80 | - | Government-funded health system | 7.53 | 36.3 | 93 | 1.12 |
3 | Denmark, Copenhagen | 5,939,695 | 74.04 | 35 | 100 | 18 50 | - | Government-funded system | 7.58 | 33.91 | 87 | 1.31 |
4 | Belgium, Brussels | 11,715,774 | 73.26 | 30 | 100 | 15 75 | 12.15 | Public insurance system | 6.89 | 35 | 77 | 1.52 |
5 | Finland, Helsinki | 5,549,886 | 71.84 | 36 | 100 | 17.5 74.6 | - | Government-funded system | 7.74 | 34.43 | 80 | 1.4 |
6 | Norway, Oslo | 5,514,477 | 70.7 | 35 | 100 | 18 94 | - | Government-funded system | 7.3 | 33.68 | 88 | 1.55 |
7 | Germany, Berlin | 83,252,474 | 70.5 | 30 | 70 | 14 100 | 14.68 | Public-private insurance system | 6.71 | 34.24 | 79 | 1.46 |
8 | Luxembourg, Luxembourg | 661,594 | 70.21 | 37 | 100 | 20 100 | 16.13 | Public insurance system | 7.12 | 35.6 | 67 | - |
9 | Slovenia, Ljubljana | 2,118,965 | 69.03 | 33 | 80 | 15 100 | 7.78 | Public insurance system | 6.74 | 38.7 | 66 | 1.33 |
10 | Spain, Madrid | 47,473,373 | 68.45 | 36 | 60 | 16 100 | 8.39 | Government-funded system | 6.42 | 36.67 | 81 | 1.65 |
Top 10 countries in Europe for life-work balance
1. Ireland
Overall index score: 78.67
Having ranked all the way down in 24th place in our 2023 study, Ireland leaps into first place for life-work balance in Europe in 2024. This huge jump is mainly due to the Irish government’s introduction of more generous statutory sick pay (which took effect from 1st January 2024) along with a high public safety score — a new metric added to this year’s index.
Known for a relatively laid-back work culture and a warm, friendly disposition, the Irish also benefit from one of Europe’s highest minimum wages — $13.96 per hour in the equivalent of U.S. dollars.
10. Iceland
Overall index score: 66.01
When it comes to statutory annual leave, Iceland is among the best in our top 10, offering a generous 38 days of paid leave. With a happiness index score of 7.56, Iceland is also one of the happiest nations in the world.
The Nordic nation boasts a universal government-funded healthcare system, putting its healthcare system among some of the most proficient on the continent.
Choose to make the switch to Iceland and you’ll experience a strong life-work balance engrained in the nation's culture. Much of Iceland is shut down through July when you can experience the best weather with your friends and family.
5. Denmark
Overall index score: 74.62
Denmark is the happiest nation in our top 10, with a happiness index score of 7.64. Workers also receive 36 days of statutory annual leave on full pay, as well as 18 weeks of paid maternity leave (52% of base pay).
Life-work balance is a cornerstone of Danish culture. The Scandinavian nation has a high taxation rate that serves to fuel a strong welfare society, benefitting its citizens through free education and healthcare, as well as a smooth public transport system and sprawling recreational facilities.
4. Belgium
Overall index score: 73.26
Partly owing to a recent update to its sick leave policies, Belgium enters the top 10 for the first time having ranked 13th in 2023. The country scores well across a number of metrics, most notably statutory sick pay and minimum wage (an hourly rate of $12.15 in U.S. dollars).
While the typical Belgian workplace might be described as friendly yet formal, the country maintains a healthy attitude to life-work balance. Many Belgian employees adopt a work to live philosophy and keep their personal and professional lives quite separate.
5. Finland
Overall index score: 71.84
Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for seven consecutive years now, with its so-called infrastructure of happiness combining factors such as a strong commitment to human rights, universal access to healthcare, a resilient economy, and a stable education system.
Finland is also a big climber in 2024 having ranked in 15th position in our 2023 life-work balance study. The country has a relatively high safety score alongside a generous annual leave entitlement (36 days) and short average working week (34.43 hours), contributing to the Finns’ contentment.
4. Norway
Overall index score: 74.90
Norway values a strong life-work balance. The country’s culture is enshrined within its employment laws, and long working weeks are rare across all industries. The country does not have a standard minimum wage like many other European nations. Instead, Norway has a collective agreement among nine key industries that cover 70% of all workers.
With a happiness score of 7.37, Norway has one of the most content populations inside our top 10. The country also has a renowned universal government-funded healthcare system, with health expenditure per head higher than in most other countries.
7. Germany
Overall index score: 70.50
Often associated with punctuality and pragmatism, the Germans nonetheless tend to keep a healthy separation between their lives and their careers. Germany’s average working week of 34.24 hours is among the lowest in Europe.
Making a leap of 6 places from 2023, Germany’s place in the top 10 also owes to the country’s generous minimum wage, which at $14.68 (USD equivalent) is the second highest in the continent, behind only Luxembourg.
1. Luxembourg
Overall index score: 85.26
Luxembourg ranks #1 on our life-work balance index. The country performs well across all key metrics, particularly regarding statutory maternity leave (100% of the employee’s wage for 20 weeks) and statutory annual leave (26 days). With a happiness score of 7.4, Luxembourg is also one of the most content nations in Europe.
Famous for being the second-richest country in the world, Luxembourg is an economic powerhouse that is keenly aware of the importance of a good life-work balance. Move here and you’ll experience award-winning wines, unique cuisine (such as gromperekichelcher), and an attitude to work that puts you and your family's needs first.
9.Slovenia
Overall index score: 68.68
Slovenia is making great strides in developing a strong culture around life-work balance.
Slovenia offers good statutory leave in return: 33 days of annual leave, 80% of your wage when on sick leave, and 15 weeks of maternity leave on full pay.
While work flexibility is not regulated by law, Slovenia operates via collective agreements at a company level. The result? A majority of full-time workers and employees enjoy the ability to start and end their day according to personal requirements.
2. Spain
Overall index score: 78.63
Spain has a strong business culture geared towards putting home life before work when it counts. The nation has a universal government-funded healthcare system, as well as a significant minimum wage (the equivalent of $9.02/hr). This is particularly impressive given that Spain has a far larger population compared to other countries in the top 10.
Home of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and delightful tapas, Spain is an artful country that rewards the creative spirit. The nation has the world’s 14th largest economy by nominal GDP, as well as booming energy and tourism industries to ply your trade. Madrid also ranked second in our Best Destinations for Remote Work guide, suggesting that second really is the best for Spain!
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What about the rest of Europe?
European life-work balance: key findings
Ireland is the number one nation for life-work balance in 2024. Achieving an overall score of 78.67, the country known as the Emerald Isle scores consistently well across several metrics, including maternity leave, healthcare, minimum wage, and public safety.
Nordic countries perform particularly well in the study, with Iceland, Denmark, Finland, and Norway all ranking in the top 6. These countries are among Europe’s happiest, with Finland the most contented nation.
The United Kingdom is in 18th position, having placed in the top 10 in last year’s index. The UK scores well on its minimum wage and length of maternity leave, but falls down on statutory annual leave, public happiness (which has fallen since 2023), and overall safety.
Iceland is the safest European country to live and work in, with the highest public safety score of any country on the list. Along with being home to one of Europe’s happiest populations, this is a big factor in its second-place ranking.
Montenegro is Europe’s most overworked country, with Montenegrins clocking up an average of 43.3 hours per week. On the other hand, the generally laid-back Dutch enjoy the most free time, with the Netherlands having an average working week of just 31.55 hours.
Luxembourg has the highest minimum wage, closely followed by Germany and the UK.
Andorrans are allowed the most time off, with employees able to take 45 days of statutory annual leave. Employees in San Marino are entitled to just 10 days, the lowest of any country in our study.
What has changed since our 2023 study?
In 2023, we added new data points around average working hours and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and in 2024 we’ve introduced a safety score to measure the relative safety of each country for those living and working there — an important consideration for anyone planning to relocate for a better quality of life.
By introducing these new metrics, we aim to provide a more holistic picture of what life-work balance looks like across Europe. We believe life-work balance isn’t just about the hours you work, but whether you feel supported by your employer through fair and inclusive policies and whether you’re able to work in a safe and healthy environment.
For our 2024 study, we’ve included all countries across Europe to provide the most accurate picture of life-work balance across the continent, while we’ve also introduced public safety as a new metric — acknowledging the importance of this factor in determining the best European countries to live and work in.
These new figures — coupled with fluctuations in many countries’ previous scores — have seen some significant changes in 2024.
Key position changes
Ireland moves up 23 places in 2024, taking the top spot this time around. This sharp rise is mainly attributed to the increase in statutory sick pay introduced at the beginning of 2024, while Ireland also has one of the highest safety scores of any nation on the list.
Iceland also sees a big jump from last year, moving into second place after ranking 10th last year. This is driven by the introduction of the new safety score (Iceland is considered Europe’s safest nation) in combination with the country maintaining its high happiness and LGBTQ+ inclusivity ratings.
The United Kingdom fell 11 places in 2024, ranking 18th having been in a much healthier 7th position in 2023. The UK’s overall score dropped from 70.22 to 62.12, with the decrease primarily due to a dip in public happiness and a low safety rating compared to many other countries.
Like the UK, France experiences a significant drop in the 2024 rankings. The country’s fall from 3rd to 17th place is mainly down to its very low safety rating in addition to a lower happiness score than many other European nations.
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Methodology
Employer of record specialists, Remote, conducted this index data analysis to reveal which European countries offer employees the best life-work balance.
The study came to its conclusions by reviewing the following key indicators:
Statutory annual leave (total days of paid leave, including public holidays)*
Minimum statutory sick pay (percent or wage of flat amount)
Statutory maternity leave (number of weeks paid)*
Statutory maternity leave payment rate (percent of wage)*
Minimum wage (USD per hour)* (Dividing annual minimum wage (US$) rate by 52 weeks and then by the length of the standard hour workweek.) (Correct to the USD conversion rate on the date the data was collected).
Healthcare status
Happiness index (The Global Economy) score (ranked on a scale of 1-10)
Average hours worked per week
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity (Equaldex, 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.)
The goal of this study is to represent each country’s life-work balance accurately, reimagining the popular phrase work-life balance to showcase how businesses in each European nation are looking to put life before work.
The metrics were adjusted with index weights to reflect relative importance, providing each country with an overall score out of 100. All data points are ranked from highest to lowest aside from healthcare, which is ranked out of five (with 1 being the best) and average hours worked per week which was ranked lowest best. In the interest of sensitivity, Ukraine and Russia were removed due to the conflict in these areas at this time
(*) When a range was offered the minimum amount was listed.
The data was collected and analysed in March 2023.