Despite all the easily-accessible and routinely implemented awareness about mental health, a subconscious belief still held by many is that higher the heights
you scale in your career, more the downtime you'll have to gracefully offer up. And this is true, and sadly still the most-pushed narrative in many economies. But these 8 countries, stand tall and proud in offering stellar work-life balance, as gauged via Remote's Global Work-Life Balance Index. From generous parental leaves, to alarmingly gratifying working hours, here's why you should consider applying for a work visa to at least one of the countries on this list.
New Zealand
Sitting pretty at the top of Remote's Global Life-Work Balance Index for three straight years in a row - and mind you, this is in the aftermath of the COVID years - New Zealand aces all categories across leaves, wages, healthcare and safety. Annual paid leaves are typically 32 days, while 26 weeks of time off is offered for maternity leaves.
Norway
Of the 60 countries studied for the survey, Norway has the most lenient parental leave policy allowing 49 weeks off with full pay. As a matter of fact, the country's culture insists that fathers too, take time off for work. An average working week comes in at a smooth 32.6 hours. This of course isn't unanimous, but only 1% of the country's working force clock in for more than 50 hours a week - making the odds of working there good. Not just Norway has topped the UN Human Development Index several times.
Denmark
If you live your life only to feel your head crash against your pillow at the end of the day, you may consider shifting to Denmark, where good and ample sleep is not a luxury, but a way of life. As per a Pubity report, the country was identified as the 'least sleep-deprived' in a 2024 survey. Paid leave days stands at 26, and average daily free time is about 15.7 hours a day - so there's clearly, enough time to do everything you need to and get a full night's rest.
Finland
Living and working in the world's 'happiest country' is sure to rub off on your dopamine levels eventually. And you can tell, because Finland has held the title for seven years straight. Maternity leave is extensive, paid leaves come in at 30 days and the working force, on an average, has over 5 hours of free time everyday.
Spain
While to travellers Spain may appear to be party central, it also happens to be a great country to live and work in. The country typically offers 36 days of paid leave every year and one of the shortest average working weeks for a major economy. The OECD Time Use Database estimates the average leisure time for countries as anywhere between 3.5 to 5 hours. Spain on average, exceeds that limit. Additionally, maternity leave is not only paid, but at a full salary rate.
Netherlands
The Netherlands boasts of a work-week that's just 32 hours. It has also, over the years, developed a worthy reputation of being the most inclusive places in the world, honouring equal opportunity and employment.
Austria
Austria offers the maximum number of paid leaves in the year. The statutory 25 leave days, clubbed with the 13 public holidays makes for a total of 28 days of annual paid leave. Not just this, Austria is also strongly considered one of the safest countries in the world.
Luxembourg
When you're starting from scratch, minimum wage is everything. And Luxembourg offers the highest number! The country's minimum wage adds up to a $2,549 (₹2,36,571 approx.) a month - and this comes with 37 days of annual paid leave. 48 hours of work a week is the absolute maximum here, and this includes overtime.
