With the gloomy British weather, it’s tempting to uproot our lives to a more enchanting part of the country. What makes it even more appealing is the prospect of ditching the mundane commute for refreshing coastal walks in the European country that has been ranked as the ‘best for work-life balance’.
Just an hour’s flight from the UK will transport you to a European country that has been ranked as having the best balance between work and life. Nordic countries dominated the top 10, with Iceland and Belgium in the top three, yet it was Ireland that came out on top.
Global employment experts Remote released their European Life-Work Balance Index, ranking every country across Europe based on its quality of life and workplace wellbeing. Looking at average working hours, statutory annual leave, paid maternity leave, sick leave, healthcare, public safety, public happiness, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, each nation was given a score out of 100 to determine who came out on top, with Ireland leading the way.
Ireland topped the charts after being awarded a score of 82.89, a 4.22-point increase compared to last year. This is due to its rise in public safety and a reduction in average weekly working hours.
According to reports, employees in Ireland are working two hours less a week on average than before the pandemic. It is estimated that those in Ireland work around 31.2 hours a week, a decrease from 33.5 hours, following the adoption of flexible working arrangements such as remote or hybrid work.
It’s no wonder that many of us end up daydreaming about relocating to a place with shorter work hours, as it’s that time of year when we wake up in the pitch black and leave the office after sunset. Not to mention the idea of ditching the built-up, bustling city life for a quieter life in the picturesque, rural countryside.
Additionally, Ireland has also been labelled as one of the happiest countries in Europe, with a strong Happiness Index score from Remote. Although it has a relatively high cost of living, the minimum wage will increase to a generous €14.15 (£12.40) per hour from January 1, 2026.
Commenting on the European Life-Work Balance Index and the importance of life-work balance, Chief People Officer at Remote, Barbara Matthews, said: “In 2025, the idea that productivity must come at the expense of our health or our personal time is being challenged in a serious way. This is especially the case across Europe, where policies are starting to reflect the simple truth that people are not machines.
“But life-work balance is about more than just working fewer hours. Employees must be given the time, space, and trust to live fully. When people feel like their lives outside of work are respected, they show up with more focus and resilience. And that’s clearly good for business.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
