Expats in Denmark are reportedly among the happiest in their work lives, as revealed by the latest Expat Insider survey from InterNations, an online global community for expatriates. Denmark leads the list for job satisfaction, career opportunities, and work-life balance.
The survey collected responses from over 12,500 expatriates, reflecting their sentiments on four major categories related to work, including career prospects, salary and job security, work culture and satisfaction, and work and leisure. Denmark topped the rankings for work culture and satisfaction, as well as work and leisure.
A notable 84% of expats in Denmark expressed satisfaction with their work-life balance, compared to the global average of 60%. Similarly, a high percentage of expats are content with their work hours, averaging 39.2 hours per week versus the global average of 42.5 hours.
The top 10 countries where expats are happiest with their work lives abroad are as follows:
- Denmark
- Saudi Arabia
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- United Arab Emirates
- Australia
- Mexico
- Indonesia
- Austria
Ilana Buhl, a contributor to CNBC Make It and an American teacher who relocated to Denmark, highlights several positive changes she experienced after moving from Texas to Copenhagen. These changes include shorter workweeks, stronger boundaries around off-hours, five weeks of paid vacation, and a higher salary that aligns well with the lower cost of living. Beyond work, Buhl appreciates Denmark’s robust public transit, public healthcare, affordable daycare, and generous maternity leave funded by both her employer and the government. “Many of these factors contribute to the fact that Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world,” Buhl notes, referencing the annual World Happiness Report.
Saudi Arabia ranks second, with 75% of expats reporting improved career prospects after moving there, compared to the global average of 56%. A majority of newcomers, 63%, relocate to Saudi Arabia for work, where they find satisfaction with the local economy. In contrast, only 35% of expats globally cite job-related reasons for their move. However, the long working hours in Saudi Arabia, averaging 47.8 hours per week, may be a downside.
Belgium completes the top three, with expats highly satisfied with job security, the local job market, and career opportunities. In Belgium, 68% of expats report enjoying workplace flexibility, including the ability to work remotely. The average full-time workweek in Belgium is 40.8 hours, shorter than the global average.
Panama is recognized as the No. 1 best country for expats overall according to the InterNations survey. This ranking considers broader life and financial factors, with expats expressing satisfaction with the quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, personal finances, and an “expat essentials” index that covers housing, administration, language, and digital life.
Denmark stands out as the top destination for expats seeking a fulfilling work life, with its strong work culture, satisfactory work-life balance, and numerous benefits outside of work. Saudi Arabia and Belgium also offer significant advantages for expatriates, despite some challenges like longer working hours in Saudi Arabia. Overall, these countries provide a supportive environment for career growth and job satisfaction.
