Sometimes it feels like we spend so much time working that we forget to actually live.
I’ve definitely been there—juggling multiple projects, clocking endless hours, and realizing I hadn’t taken a genuine break in ages.
It’s no wonder so many of us daydream about moving somewhere with a healthier work-life balance, where we can get our jobs done without feeling married to the office.
That’s exactly what we’re exploring today at DM News: eight countries that make it easier to work less, live more, and actually enjoy life.
Let’s dive in.
1. Denmark
I first heard about Denmark’s legendary work-life balance from a friend who moved to Copenhagen for a teaching job.
She used to joke that she finally knew what it meant to have “free time” that was genuinely free.
Danish workplaces often promote flexible schedules—some people start early and leave early, while others come in later if that suits their lifestyle.
In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, Denmark has the best work-life balance than any other country.
Majority of the Danes spend around two-thirds of their day (16 hours) eating, sleeping and indulging in leisurely pursuits.
It’s not just about convenience; it’s about a nationwide approach to well-being known as “hygge,” a concept centered around comfort, coziness, and enjoying the simple things in life.
Add to that the fact that Denmark has robust parental leave policies and an emphasis on family time, and you start to see why stress levels tend to be lower.
This culture of balance carries over into leisure as well. Most Danes aren’t rushing through their days, and they actually take time to savor a coffee or spend afternoons at the park.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re sprinting from one responsibility to the next, a Danish-style reset could change your entire perspective on what “work” is supposed to look like.
2. Netherlands
The Netherlands is famous for its thriving bike culture, but there’s another reason I admire this place: it’s one of Europe’s champions of part-time work.
Plenty of people in the Netherlands hold what’s officially classified as part-time jobs but still earn a stable, livable income.
In fact, a study showed that the Dutch have the shortest average working hours in Europe, clocking in at only 32.2 hours per week.
Yet, they manage to maintain high levels of productivity. It’s not about doing less; it’s about maximizing the hours you do work and then leaving time for living.
I remember visiting Amsterdam for a conference back when I was working in digital marketing, and I noticed how shops and offices would wrap up business at very reasonable hours.
My local colleague told me, “We believe in working to live, not living to work.” That attitude makes it pretty clear why the Netherlands consistently ranks high for overall life satisfaction.
You don’t get the sense that anyone’s bragging about pulling an all-nighter; instead, they value balance and efficiency.
To me, it’s a pretty solid recipe for enjoying life without sacrificing career growth.
3. Norway
Norway isn’t just about beautiful fjords and dramatic northern lights; it’s also about a culture that truly values balance.
If you’ve ever met a Norwegian, you’ll know they tend to be pretty relaxed about their schedules, and that’s in part thanks to the country’s shorter working hours.
A typical workweek hovers around 37.5 hours, plus it’s common for employees to enjoy five weeks of paid vacation each year.
Now, that’s a real break—no checking emails on a beach or feeling guilty for being away from your desk.
One thing I find really interesting is how Norwegian businesses trust their employees. There’s a significant level of autonomy, and that trust fosters both loyalty and a sense of responsibility.
When people feel valued and are given a real chance to wind down, they tend to be more productive in the time they do spend at work.
It’s a win-win scenario—improved well-being for the employee and better performance for the company.
4. Germany
Germany is often perceived as the epitome of efficiency. While Germans do take work seriously, they also know the importance of drawing a line between professional and personal life.
For instance, in many German companies, once your shift is over, you’re simply not expected to answer work-related calls or emails.
That kind of boundary might sound foreign to those of us who are used to our phones buzzing 24/7 with notifications from colleagues or clients.
Not only that, but Germany’s legal framework protects employees’ rights to rest. There are strict rules about maximum working hours and minimum vacation days—by law, you’re entitled to at least 24 vacation days a year if you’re employed full-time.
Living in a place where companies understand that free time is part of being a healthy, functional human being can make a world of difference.
And if you’ve ever strolled through a German beer garden on a sunny day, you’ve probably seen firsthand how they embrace a stress-free afternoon.
5. Sweden
“Lagom” is a Swedish word that roughly translates to “just the right amount.” It’s a guiding principle in Sweden, shaping everything from food portions to work hours.
There was even a widely publicized experiment a few years ago in which some companies tested a six-hour workday.
Although it wasn’t universally adopted, it opened up a huge conversation about whether more hours in the office actually translate to greater productivity.
From my travels in Stockholm, I recall how coffee breaks, or “fika,” are practically a sacred institution. Employers encourage workers to take short breathers for socializing and recharging, rather than rushing through their day.
It’s not just a tradition; it’s an integral part of the work culture, reminding everyone that building relationships and pausing to enjoy a quick treat can go a long way in keeping morale high.
If you’ve ever felt guilty about stepping away for a ten-minute coffee run, Sweden’s approach might feel like a breath of fresh air.
6. France
France famously introduced the 35-hour workweek in the early 2000s, and while people can and do work beyond that limit, it set a cultural tone that values leisure time.
The French are known for cherishing life’s pleasures—good food, good conversation, and ample time off.
If you stroll around Paris in the late afternoon, you’ll see café terraces filled with people who have already clocked out or are taking a leisurely break.
I spent a summer studying in Lyon, and I distinctly remember how businesses would close for a couple of hours in the middle of the day.
They took lunch seriously, and nobody thought this was odd. It was simply accepted that life’s daily pace should have moments of pause.
Even though some bigger companies are more flexible these days, the national attitude still encourages not letting work swallow every hour of your day.
It’s a well-known French mantra that life should be savored, not rushed, and the country’s labor laws back that up.
7. Australia
Australia’s laid-back reputation isn’t just about surf culture and barbecues by the beach; it’s also supported by a labor environment that respects time off.
The standard full-time workweek sits around 38 hours, but what I find more telling is that Australian employers often foster a culture of actually using your leave.
Back in my marketing days, I worked remotely with an Aussie team, and they’d make it clear that if you’re off, you’re really off. One manager even insisted that we all delete our email apps from our phones during vacation.
Australia also offers various forms of flexible work arrangements—like the option for extended unpaid leave that you can take for travel, education, or just life.
That’s huge, especially for folks who want a reset or need a break for personal development. It’s a different mentality when a country’s employment system acknowledges that you’re more than just your role at work.
8. New Zealand
Last but not least, New Zealand. This country has been on my radar ever since I learned how common it is for Kiwis to take a “gap year” or extended time off for travel and self-discovery.
A few companies in New Zealand have even experimented with the four-day workweek, discovering that compressed schedules can enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
It’s not a national standard (yet), but it’s a trend that shows just how open-minded New Zealanders can be when it comes to breaking the conventional 9-to-5 grind.
On top of that, the nature-rich environment of places like Queenstown or Fiordland National Park practically begs you to unplug and get outside. I’ve found that being surrounded by that level of natural beauty is a constant reminder that there’s more to life than endless Zoom meetings.
Even in bigger cities like Auckland, you’ll see people leaving work at a decent hour to catch the sunset over the harbor. You get a real sense that New Zealanders want to enjoy their day-to-day lives, not just weekend escapes.
Putting it all together
A balanced life isn’t just a pipe dream—it’s alive and well in these eight countries. They’ve found ways to prioritize rest, autonomy, and personal time without sacrificing productivity.
Each place has its own culture and quirks, but they all share the belief that work should be a part of your life, not the whole thing.
I know for some of us, moving to a new country is just a distant wish, not a viable plan.
But there’s nothing stopping us from borrowing a few ideas: value downtime, set boundaries, and remember you’re not a machine.
As we like to say here at DM News, the goal is to stay informed, inspired, and empowered.
Maybe that starts with realizing there’s a whole world out there where “less work, more life” isn’t a fantasy—it’s the standard.
