Key Takeaways
- Global employment experts, Remote, rank the UK 8th for life-work balance in a recent study.
- The study evaluates factors such as minimum wage, healthcare availability, maternity leave, and average working hours.
- New Zealand, Spain, and France top the list, while the US ranks 53rd.
Balancing Life and Work: A Global Perspective
In a study conducted by global employment authority Remote, the United Kingdom secures a spot in the top ten countries for ‘life-work balance’ — a term coined by Remote, signifying the shift of modern professionals towards prioritizing balanced living over career demands.
The UK clinches the 8th spot with a score of 69.07, recognized for its “healthy attitude to life-work balance,” internationally reputed healthcare system, and one of the highest global rates for statutory maternity leave.
The Top 10 Countries for Life-Work Balance
- New Zealand – Topping the list with a score of 79.35, New Zealand is applauded for its robust economy, generous annual leave (32 days), high rate of sick pay (80%), and a government-funded universal healthcare system.
- Spain – Despite the stereotype of the traditional Spanish siesta, Spain maintains a culture promoting balance, offering 36 days of statutory annual leave, and having one of the shortest working weeks.
- France – Known for its large population and high GDP, France establishes a healthy life-work balance, offering ample free time, a generous minimum wage, and 36 days of annual leave.
- Australia – Australia stands out for its high minimum annual wage per hour, full salary payment during sickness leave, and abundant sunshine hours, contributing to its rank 4.
- Denmark – Ranking 2nd in the Happiness Index, Denmark provides 36 days’ annual leave, 100% sick pay, and universal healthcare.
- Norway – Norway offers its workers 35 days of annual leave, 100% sick pay, and a universal healthcare system.
- Netherlands – The Netherlands is recognized for its support for LGBTQ+ rights, generous maternity pay, and an average annual leave.
- United Kingdom – The UK is noted for its internationally renowned healthcare system and generous minimum wage.
- Canada – Remote ranks Canada as the number one international destination for working professionals, primarily due to its high quality of life, safety, and leisure opportunities.
- Brazil – Brazil ranks in the top ten due to its generous sick and maternity pay, and government-funded universal healthcare system.
The United States, however, only manages to rank 53rd due to a lack of statutory annual leave, sick pay, and a universal healthcare system.
Remote’s Views on the Study
Co-founder and CEO of Remote, Job van der Voort, asserts that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy personal fulfillment and professional success, regardless of their location. Amanda Day, Director of People Enablement at Remote, emphasizes that while some progress has been made with remote-first attitudes and flexibility, more work needs to be done to strike a perfect balance between personal and professional life. The disappointing rank of the US indicates areas where significant improvements can be made.
Source: https://remote.com/resources/research/global-life-work-balance-index
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