Sometimes it seems like we’re so consumed by work that we forget what it means to really live.
I’ve definitely experienced it myself—managing several tasks, logging countless hours, and suddenly realizing it had been far too long since I’d taken an actual break.
It’s not surprising that many of us fantasize about relocating to a place where the work-life balance is healthier—where you can fulfill your professional duties without feeling chained to your desk.
That’s what we’re focusing on at DM News today: eight nations that make it easier to work less, enjoy life more, and embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes personal well-being.
Let’s explore.
Denmark
I first came across Denmark’s famous work-life balance through a friend who accepted a teaching position in Copenhagen.
She often joked that for the first time, she understood what it meant to have “free time” that was truly her own.
Danish workplaces typically support flexible hours—some employees begin early and leave early, while others opt for later shifts if that suits them better.
According to the World Economic Forum, Denmark ranks highest globally for work-life balance.
Most Danes dedicate around two-thirds of their day—roughly 16 hours—to eating, sleeping, and enjoying leisure activities.
This approach is rooted in a national philosophy known as “hygge,” centered around comfort, simplicity, and savoring life’s small joys.
Combined with progressive parental leave and an emphasis on family life, it’s easy to see why stress is comparatively low.
This balance extends beyond work. People in Denmark take time to enjoy a coffee or relax at a park instead of racing from one task to the next.
If you’re used to a hectic lifestyle, adopting the Danish mindset could transform how you view your career.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is widely known for its bicycle culture, but another key trait stands out: it champions part-time employment.
Many Dutch workers hold part-time roles yet still earn enough for a comfortable lifestyle.
One study revealed that Dutch employees average just 32.2 working hours per week—the shortest in Europe.
And yet, they maintain high productivity levels. It’s not about reducing effort—it’s about making the most of your work hours and reserving time for life outside the job.
When I attended a marketing conference in Amsterdam, I noticed that offices and stores closed at sensible times.
A colleague there told me, “We believe in working to live, not living to work.” That mindset explains why the Netherlands ranks high in life satisfaction.
You won’t hear people boasting about all-nighters. Instead, efficiency and balance are what matter.
It’s a smart approach for those looking to enjoy life while still advancing professionally.
Norway
Norway offers more than just breathtaking landscapes—it also promotes a culture that genuinely values personal time.
If you’ve met Norwegians, you’ve likely seen how laid-back they are about scheduling, thanks in part to their shorter workweeks.
The average workweek is around 37.5 hours, and employees typically receive five weeks of paid vacation annually.
That’s what real downtime looks like—no emails from the beach or guilt over time away from your desk.
What stands out is the high level of trust in workplaces. Employees are given autonomy, which cultivates loyalty and responsibility.
When people feel appreciated and are allowed to recharge, they tend to be more efficient during work hours.
It’s a win for both workers and businesses.
Germany
Germany may be known for its precision and discipline, but it also respects the boundary between work and personal life.
In many German workplaces, once your workday ends, you’re not expected to respond to messages or calls.
That might seem unusual for those accustomed to constant phone alerts from colleagues or clients.
Additionally, German labor laws protect the right to rest. By law, full-time employees are entitled to at least 24 days of paid vacation annually, along with strict limits on working hours.
Living in a country where free time is seen as essential to well-being can be a game-changer.
If you’ve ever lounged in a German beer garden on a sunny afternoon, you’ve probably witnessed how they truly embrace downtime.
Sweden
The Swedish term “lagom” roughly means “just enough,” and it influences everything from food servings to work routines.
Some Swedish companies even experimented with a six-hour workday in recent years.
Though it wasn’t widely implemented, the experiment sparked conversation about whether more hours actually lead to better results.
During my visit to Stockholm, I observed that coffee breaks—or “fika”—are almost sacred. Workers are encouraged to pause, socialize, and refresh themselves during the day.
It’s more than just a break—it’s a reflection of Sweden’s belief in meaningful connection and mental well-being.
If taking a short coffee break has ever made you feel guilty, Sweden’s culture might offer a refreshing change.
France
France’s 35-hour workweek, introduced in the early 2000s, helped shape a national attitude that values leisure.
The French take pride in enjoying good meals, conversations, and extended time off.
Stroll through Paris in the late afternoon, and you’ll find cafés bustling with people already off the clock or taking long breaks.
When I studied in Lyon one summer, businesses would often shut down for a couple of hours mid-day.
Lunch was a serious affair, and this rhythm was widely accepted as part of life.
Even though larger companies may operate more flexibly now, the overall ethos remains one of not letting work dominate every waking hour.
The idea that life should be relished—not rushed—is deeply ingrained in French culture and supported by labor laws.
Australia
Australia’s easygoing vibe extends to its approach to employment, with a standard full-time workweek of about 38 hours.
But what’s even more telling is how seriously Australians take their time off.
While working remotely with an Australian team during my marketing career, it was standard practice to unplug completely while on leave.
One of our managers even recommended deleting email apps from our phones during vacations.
Australians also have access to flexible arrangements such as extended unpaid leave for travel, study, or personal reasons.
That kind of flexibility reflects a national understanding that people are more than just their job titles.
New Zealand
New Zealand is another country embracing the idea that work should fit around life—not the other way around.
Many Kiwis take “gap years” or extended time off to travel and explore themselves.
Some companies have even tried four-day workweeks, finding that shorter schedules can improve both productivity and employee happiness.
Though it’s not standard everywhere, it signals an openness to rethink traditional work models.
The country’s natural beauty, from Queenstown to Fiordland, encourages people to disconnect and enjoy their surroundings.
Even in cities like Auckland, it’s common to see people leaving work in time to watch the sunset.
You get the impression that New Zealanders aim to live well every day, not just on weekends.
In Conclusion
A well-balanced life isn’t a fantasy in these eight countries—it’s part of the norm. They show that it’s possible to work efficiently while still having time to rest and enjoy life.
Each country has its own unique lifestyle, but they all embrace the belief that work is just one part of a fulfilling existence.
Relocating may not be realistic for everyone, but we can still take inspiration from these examples: respect your personal time, create boundaries, and remember that you’re not a machine.
As we always say at DM News, staying informed and inspired starts with recognizing that a “less work, more life” philosophy isn’t just possible—it’s already real elsewhere.