As work-life balance becomes a more critical factor in workplace culture, Europe is emerging as one of the best regions for achieving a healthy balance between professional and personal life. More companies are embracing flexible working hours and promoting well-being, helping employees focus on productivity without sacrificing personal time. According to the report, here is a ranking of the best European countries for work-life balance in 2024:
1. Ireland
Overall Index Score: 78.67
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Ireland has made a remarkable leap in the rankings, moving from 24th place in 2023 to securing the top spot in 2024 for work-life balance in Europe. This significant improvement is primarily due to the Irish government’s introduction of more generous statutory sick pay, which came into effect on January 1, 2024, along with a high public safety score—a new metric added to this year’s index.
Known for its relatively relaxed work culture and warm, welcoming atmosphere, Ireland also offers one of the highest minimum wages in Europe, amounting to $13.96 per hour (in U.S. dollar equivalent).
2. Iceland
Overall Index Score: 76.77
Iceland shares more than just six letters with Ireland—it has also risen significantly in the rankings, moving up from 10th place in 2023. As is common among Nordic countries, Iceland has a high happiness index, ranking as the third happiest nation in Europe, just behind Denmark and Finland.
Icelanders place great importance on family life, helping them maintain a strong work-life balance that prioritizes spending quality time with loved ones. The country is also considered the safest in Europe and one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly, making it an excellent place to work and live.
3. Denmark
Overall Index Score: 74.04
Denmark has long been associated with a healthy attitude toward work and life. Long working hours are generally discouraged, and many businesses essentially shut down during the short Danish summer. Some sectors have even experimented with a four-day workweek.
Unsurprisingly, Denmark has one of the shortest average working weeks in Europe, at just 33.91 hours. It also offers generous statutory annual leave and consistently ranks as one of the world’s happiest countries, all while maintaining a high level of public safety.
4. Belgium
Overall Index Score: 73.26
Thanks to recent updates to its sick leave policies, Belgium has entered the top 10 for the first time, rising from 13th place in 2023. The country scores well across several key metrics, particularly statutory sick pay and minimum wage, which stands at $12.15 per hour (in U.S. dollar equivalent).
While Belgian workplaces tend to balance friendliness with formality, the country maintains a positive attitude toward work-life balance. Many Belgian employees embrace a “work to live” philosophy, keeping their professional and personal lives distinctly separate.
5. Finland
Overall Index Score: 71.84
Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for seven consecutive years, largely due to its well-established “infrastructure of happiness.” This includes strong commitments to human rights, universal healthcare access, a stable education system, and a resilient economy.
Finland has climbed significantly in the rankings, moving from 15th place in 2023. The country boasts a high safety score, a generous annual leave policy (36 days), and a short average working week (34.43 hours), all of which contribute to the overall contentment of its residents.
6. Norway
Overall Index Score: 70.70
Another strong contender from the Nordic region, Norway stands out for having one of the shortest working weeks in Europe, with an average of just 33.68 hours. As with its Nordic neighbors, Norway is consistently ranked among the happiest nations in Europe.
Norway is also an attractive destination for families seeking a good work-life balance, having recently been ranked the best country for parental work-life balance. This is largely due to its generous statutory leave policies, which include 35 days of annual leave and extensive maternity benefits.
7. Germany
Overall Index Score: 70.50
Despite being known for efficiency, punctuality, and pragmatism, Germany maintains a healthy separation between professional and personal life. The country has one of the shortest average working weeks in Europe, at 34.24 hours.
Germany has climbed six places from its 2023 ranking, thanks in part to its high minimum wage—$14.68 per hour (in U.S. dollar equivalent)—which is the second-highest in Europe, surpassed only by Luxembourg.
8. Luxembourg
Overall Index Score: 70.21
As one of the wealthiest nations in the world by GDP per capita, Luxembourg has long prioritized work-life balance. The country offers the highest minimum wage in Europe, with employees earning at least $16.13 per hour (in U.S. dollar equivalent).
Despite its strong economic position, Luxembourg has dropped from first place in 2023 due to an increase in average working hours and slight declines in LGBTQ+ inclusivity and happiness scores. Nevertheless, it remains a top destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling work environment.
9. Slovenia
Overall Index Score: 69.03
Holding onto its 9th place ranking for a second consecutive year, Slovenia continues to foster a strong work-life balance culture. The country offers relatively generous statutory leave policies, including 33 days of annual leave, sick pay covering 80% of an employee’s salary, and 15 weeks of fully paid maternity leave.
However, Slovenia has the longest average working week among the top 10 countries, at 38.7 hours. While the country still has room for improvement in terms of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, it boasts one of the highest safety scores in the index.
10. Spain
Overall Index Score: 68.45
Although the traditional afternoon “siesta” is no longer a widespread practice in Spain, around 17% of Spaniards still take an extended midday break before resuming work later in the day. Nonetheless, Spanish culture strongly supports a healthy work-life balance.
Spain has a particularly strong focus on supporting working parents, offering 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. Additionally, employees enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days, encouraging workers to take ample time off to recharge.
Conclusion
These rankings show that Europe continues to lead the way in promoting work-life balance, offering policies that prioritize employee well-being alongside professional success. Whether it’s through shorter working weeks, higher minimum wages, or family-centric policies, the top 10 countries provide ample opportunities for those looking to relocate in 2024.
