Countries With the Best Work-life Balance in Europe

When it comes to finding the right balance between work and personal life, the amount of time spent in the workplace can be crucial.

Eurostat, the European Statistical Office, has released a new report detailing the average weekly work hours of individual workers ages 20 to 64 across Europe. According to the data, the Netherlands holds the title for the country with the shortest work week with their employees working an average of only 33.2 hours weekly. Germany trails closely behind with an average of 35.3 working hours per week. Denmark takes third place, with a difference of just ten minutes, with workers clocking in at 35.4 hours per week.

Other countries with shorter work hours include Norway (35.5), Estonia (38), Austria (36), Switzerland (36), Finland (36.2), Belgium (36.9), Ireland (36.9), France (37.4), Italy (37.4), Spain (37.8), and Luxembourg (38.1). In contrast, Greece is surpassing any other European nations with its lengthy work schedules averaging a strenuous 41-hour workweek, trailed by Poland at 40.2 hours. When considering countries outside the European Union, Serbia asserts its working hours the most with an average workweek of 43.3 hours. Other countries with longer working hours include Poland (40.2), Romania (40.2), Bulgaria (40.2), Portugal (39.9), Czechia (39.8), Slovenia (39.6), Croatia (39.6), Hungary (39.6), Slovakia (39.6), Lithuania (39.2), and Latvia (39).

Several European countries maintain a balance between work and leisure, averaging between 40.2 and 38 hours per week. Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria fall within this range, providing their residents with a reasonably balanced work schedule. Portugal comes close to the 40-hour mark, with an average of 39.9 hours per week. Czechia follows closely with 39.8 hours. Countries in the 39-38-hour range include Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovakia, where working hours typically amount to 39.6 per week.

The labour practices and working environments across Europe are diverse. The ease with which European citizens can manage their personal and professional commitments differs by location. As a way to address this reality, the European Union Commission has recommended measures to streamline the coordination of social security systems, making it easier for European residents to live, work, and travel across Member States.

If you're striving for that ideal balance between career and personal life, Europe has plenty to offer. With its varied working hours, you're bound to find a niche that accommodates your individual preferences and desired lifestyle. So whether you crave more leisure time or prefer a bustling schedule, Europe will have you covered.