This is officially the best European country for work-life balance in 2025
New Zealand was just named as the best country in the world for work-life balance, according to Remote 's third annual Global Work-Life Balance Index, but plenty of countries in Europe ranked well, too.
The Index assesses the top 60 GDP countries on statutory annual leave, paid maternity leave, sick leave, healthcare, public safety, public happiness, LGBTQ+ inclusivity and average working hours, and gave each one a score out of 100.
Recommended: The European island nation named the world's safest country to travel to in 2025.
Topping the list for the continent? That would be Ireland, which scored 81.17 overall. The country did particularly well thanks to a generous maternity leave policy (26 weeks off with 70 percent of income pay). The study also notes a little about working culture in Ireland, where apparently hard work is fostered alongside a community-spirited vibe among employees.
Belgium came in second place with 75.91 overall, scoring well in the statutory sick pay and maternity leave categories, as well as having one of the highest happiness ratings in Europe at 6.91 out of 10. Belgians also work short weeks, at around 34.1 hours, and it has one of the continent's highest minimum wages.
Germany, Norway and Denmark round out the top five in Europe, scoring 74.65, 74.20 and 73.76 respectively. Read on for the top 10.
These are the 10 best European countries for work-life balance
Ireland
Belgium
Germany
Norway
Denmark
Spain
Finland
UK
Netherlands
Portugal
Did you see that the seven wonders of the world have been ranked from best to worst?
Plus: .
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
34 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Europe's best railway station that's one of world's busiest is getting £1bn revamp – and could launch direct route to UK
Construction is likely to start by 2030 ON TRACK Europe's best railway station that's one of world's busiest is getting £1bn revamp – and could launch direct route to UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EUROPE'S best railway station is set to receive a £1billion upgrade with the possibility of a direct route on the cards. Plans to expand one of Europe's busiest train stations have been revealed and include a new track and second tunnel, as the prospect of a direct link to London grows more likely. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The major European station is set to receive a huge upgrade Credit: Getty 6 This upgrade will increase the station's capacity by 50 per cent Credit: Getty Major station set for huge upgrade This expansion is estimated to cost over £1bn with construction likely to commence in the latter half of the 2020s. These upgrades will increase the station's current capacity by a staggering 50 per cent. Plans were publicly displayed on May 14 and have since been approved as Zürich Stadelhofen station braces for an upgrade. Commissioned by the Swiss Federal Government, the Swiss Federal Railways (SSB) aims to address a major bottleneck in the Zürich S-Bahn system, Railway Pro reports. SSB intends to achieve this through the station's expansion, as the current three-track layout already operates at full capacity. Plans for direct route to London This comes after SSB revealed hopes to create a direct line to London earlier this year. According to Swiss info, the prospect of a direct high-speed rail link is growing more likely, but Switzerland needs to make adaptations to its stations before this can happen. This new expansion could be a step in the right direction as the proposed upgrade of one of the world's busiest stations will enable more frequent services and improve connectivity. One Brit told Swiss Info: "We feel so disconnected after Brexit. This kind of direct connection would be incredible." Currently, Brits can travel to five places by direct train with Eurostar -Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Picturesque English town is getting new £27m train line for first time in 60 years – & will cut journey times by an hour But new plans have suggested routes from the UK to seven other cities in Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. Yann Leriche, the chief executive of Getlink, said: "We are keen to drive forward attractive opportunities for low-carbon [travel] with a range of new destinations in Germany, Switzerland and France. A spokesperson for London St Pancras Highspeed added: "Many European cities could be reached directly by train in under six hours which we believe is really competitive with short-haul air travel." However, the plans are rather ambitious, with no set time frame for when these could launch. Key upgrades to major Zürich station With approximately 80,000 daily passengers and 770 train movements, Zürich Stadelhofen is the third-busiest station in the city and the tenth-busiest in Switzerland. The proposed upgrade will enable more frequent services and support the implementation of a 15-minute base frequency across the network. According to Railway Pro, these are the key upgrades to the station : The construction of a fourth track on the hillside of the station, aligned with the current shopping level Connection of the new track to existing tunnels A new single-track Riesbach Tunnel towards Zürich Tiefenbrunnen Enhanced station access Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences. Davos to Geneva, Switzerland "After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen "Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey London to Paris by Eurostar "Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what's so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won't have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail "From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton Beijing to Ulaanbatar "The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray 6 The Swiss station opened its doors for the first time in 1894 Credit: Getty 6 Stadelhofen is currently the third largest station in Zurich Credit: Getty 6 Work is expected to start by 2030 Credit: Getty
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Airline launches new route from Scotland to grand duchy
Edinburgh to Luxembourg flights are scheduled twice weekly on Friday and Monday. Listed flights which take one hour and 50 minutes start at €108 from July 3, 2026. Flights are listed. (Image: Getty Images) Thomas Fischer, Luxair chief commercial officer, told The Herald: 'We're delighted to launch direct flights between Luxembourg and [[Edinburgh]], a route we've been planning for some time as part of our growth strategy. 'With the upcoming arrival of our new Embraer E2 aircraft, we are now in a position to expand our network and respond to strong customer demand. 'This new connection not only strengthens business ties between Luxembourg and Scotland but also fosters tourism and cultural exchange. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board as of summer 2026.' The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Visit Luxembourg said: 'Discover the enchanting allure of Luxembourg, a European destination where medieval charm meets contemporary sophistication. Travellers love exploring the unique blend of historic fortresses, lush landscapes, and cosmopolitan elegance, all found in close proximity. 'From Guttland, the garden of the capital city, to the red landscapes of the industrial Minett in the south, the wild Éislek with its rugged hills, to the rocky cliffs and forests of the Mullerthal and the leafy green of the Moselle valley vineyards, Luxembourg has plenty of variety.' READ MORE: The tourist body said: 'Many visitors begin their stay in the capital where world-famous artists rub shoulders with newcomers, and old fortress walls meet modern architecture. 'Here you will find a place pulsing with energy where people exchange ideas and stories, and culture, nightlife, business and relaxation collide. City break fans are drawn to this cosmopolitan capital, but also to other towns in the country to which they can travel free of charge on Luxembourg's nationwide public transport.' A grand duchy is a country with a duke or duchess as head of state. Luxair also said on its website: 'Edinburgh effortlessly balances its weighty history with contemporary energy. The Royal Mile's weathered cobbles lead past medieval closes and modern whisky bars, while the shopfronts of Princes Street mirror the jagged skyline of the Old Town. 'By day, you can hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramas that stretch to the Firth of Forth; by evening, join the animated crowds at the [[Edinburgh]] Festival Fringe or browse the shelves of independent bookshops. Scotland's compact, hilly capital is a city where every alley holds a story waiting to be uncovered.'
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
The 10 best museums in Amsterdam
For a small country, the Netherlands has made a huge impact on world art, both back in the 17th century, then again with straight lines and bold primary colours in the 20th – with Van Gogh slipped in along the way. So, the Big Three museums – Old Masters, Van Gogh and modern art respectively – lead the way. But Amsterdam is a treasure box of other attractions, too, from a quirky collection of mechanical pianos, through canal-side mansions dripping with chandeliers and shining with silver, to boundary-bursting photography, and an urban explosion of street art and graffiti. All our museum recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert. Find out more below or for further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, shopping, bars & cafés, attractions and free things to do. Find a museum by type: Art History Culture Art Rijksmuseum One of the world's great art museums adds glittering gold and silver, centuries-old costumes, furniture fit for royalty, and precious dolls' houses to a parade of Old Masters that includes Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen and Frans Hals. Insider tip: First check out the exceptional centuries-old treasures in the Asian Pavilion downstairs, and save the Old Masters till after 3.30pm, when the halls are less busy. Neighbourhood: Museum Quarter Metro: Trams 2, 3, 5, 12; Vijzelstraat metro Website: Van Gogh Museum More of Van Gogh's canvases hang here than anywhere else in the world, including Sunflowers and Wheatfield with Crows, alongside sketches, letters and much else, in an imaginative display that brings you up close to the man himself. Insider tip: Pre-book as far in advance as you can, and aim for early in the week, after 3.30pm to avoid the really busy periods. Neighbourhood: Museum Quarter Metro: Trams 2, 3, 5, 12; Vijzelstraat metro Website: Stedelijk Museum This museum is home to all that has rocked modern and contemporary art, both Dutch (De Stijl, CoBra, Mondrian) and international (Picasso, Malevich, Warhol), from the 20th century till now. And there's a fine collection of design, too. Insider tip: It's hidden at the back of the museum downstairs, but don't miss the Appelbar, the Stedelijk's original refreshment kiosk with bright murals by CoBrA artist Karel Appel. FOAM Blockbuster shows and retrospectives of big-name photographers (such as Richard Avedon and Cartier-Bresson) share space with radical new talent, and forays into the furthest limits of where photography can take us. Solo shows, themed exhibitions and plenty of discussion forums join the mix. Insider tip: Buy a 'FOAM Edition' – an original photo by a past exhibitor, in the FOAM Gallery shop at the top of the building. Return to index History Verzetsmuseum (Museum of the Resistance) A riveting insight into life in the Netherlands under the Nazi occupation, and of the Dutch resistance movement. Interactive displays, along with the personal stories of heroes, Nazi collaborators and ordinary people trapped in between put you right in the moment. Insider tip: Press a doorbell to hear the various excuses neighbours offered for not taking on an onderduiker (secret lodger, hiding from the Nazis). It makes it all seem very real. Neighbourhood: Amsterdam East / former Jewish Quarter Metro: Tram 14; Waterlooplein metro Website: Joods Cultureel Kwartier (Jewish Cultural Quarter) Amsterdam's former Jewish quarter is home to monuments and museums that explore a community that made an essential contribution to the city: a culturally rich Jewish Historical Museum, the magnificent 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and a sobering National Holocaust Museum. Insider tip: A combined ticket valid for the historical museum, the holocaust museum and the Portuguese Synagogue is valid for a week and good value. Return to index Culture Museum Van Loon Of all the canal houses open to the public, this 17th-century mansion is the one that most has the atmosphere of an (admittedly very grand) family home. Among the portraits and tinkling crystal you are back in another age – but it feels as if the owners might be back any minute and catch you there. Insider tip: Don't miss the elegant formal garden, hidden from the street view behind the house. Neighbourhood: Canal Belt Metro: Tram 2, 4, 12, 17. Vijzelgracht metro Website: Huis Marseille Grand canal house meets fascinating photography, Huis Marseille stages engaging and challenging contemporary photo and video exhibitions, often hung in ways that respond to its historic architecture, drawing on outside artists as well as its strong in-house collection of mainly Dutch, South African and Japanese work. Insider tip: Look up! The ceiling in the Garden Room is by Jacob de Wit, the leading 18th-century Dutch interiors painter. Neighbourhood: Canal Belt Metro: Tram 2, 12, 17; Rokin metro Website: STЯAAT: Street Art Museum Amsterdam A wharf-side warehouse in former docklands offers the wall space necessary for gigantic displays of street art and graffiti. Abstract or graphic, startling or soothing, there's work by both local and international artists, and even workshops if you want a go yourself. Insider tip: A Museum Card is not valid for this museum, but there's plenty of street art outside as the area is a hotspot for local graffiti artists. Geelvinck Pianola Museum Discover a fascinating collection of self-playing pianos, from the Charlie Chaplin honky-tonk variety to sophisticated instruments whose scrolls reproduce every nuance of the original pianist's playing – with a collection of original scrolls created by the likes of Prokofiev and Debussy. Insider tip: See and hear the machines put through their paces, sometimes in combo with live musicians at one of the regular 'recitals'. Return to index How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Rodney Bolt lighted upon Amsterdam nearly 30 years ago after flitting through Greece, Germany, and the UK, and nothing could persuade him to leave. He has written on everything he loves about the city for publications worldwide, and co-authors the Peter Posthumus mysteries, all set in Amsterdam. Strolling along the canals still tops his list of life's pleasures.
