These Countries Have The Best Work-Life Balance, Reveals Report: Guess Where India Stands?

Achieving work-life balance feels like chasing a unicorn for many in India. It's no surprise thus that a recent report by Ranstad ranked India at a disappointing 43rd spot on the Global Life-Work Balance Index. 

But interestingly—here's the kicker: the United States lands an even lower 53rd place, thanks to its lacking statutory annual leave or sick pay. 

Which are the countries then that are offering a healthy work-life balance?

Global Life-Work Balance Index: How are countries ranked?

The Global Life-Work Balance Index unveils the nations that have cracked the code on fostering a harmonious work-life balance.

This index evaluates the quality of life-work balance across the globe's top 60 GDP countries, assigning each nation a score out of 100. 

Factors considered include minimum wage, sick leave, maternity leave, healthcare access, public happiness, average working hours, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

Top 10 countries with the best work-life balance

In 2024, the top 10 countries boasting the best work-life balance are:

1. New Zealand

New Zealand/ TOI Travel

The country offers a generous statutory annual leave of 32 days, an 80% sick pay rate, and a government-funded universal healthcare system.

2. Spain

Spain stands out for its generous statutory annual leave of 36 days and short average working week.

3. France

Unsplash

France prioritises life-work balance with shorter working hours (average of 25.6 hours per week), a generous minimum wage, and 36 days of statutory annual leave per year. It also introduced the "right to disconnect" law in 2017.

4. Australia

Australia provides the highest minimum annual wage per hour, 100% paid sick leave, and robust public healthcare support.

5. Denmark

Denmark offers 36 days of annual leave, 100% sick pay, and universal healthcare.

6. Norway

Workers in Norway enjoy 35 days of annual leave and full sick pay, reflecting a culture valuing life outside of work.

7. Netherlands

Netherlands/ Kimkim

Netherlands Boasts an average working week of under 27 hours, indicating a good balance between work and personal life.

8. United Kingdom

Workers in the UK have an average weekly working hours of 25.6, joint-shortest on the list.

9. Canada

Canada Provides universal healthcare coverage and is recognised as the most LGBTQ+-friendly country globally.

10. Brazil

Brazil offers generous sick pay and maternity leave policies, along with a government-funded universal healthcare system.

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