You know that feeling when you watch vacation videos from far-off places and wonder if people there really live differently? Well, turns out they do. Our preferred phrasing, life-work balance, emphasizes that life comes first, and work should exist in service of enriching, not overshadowing it. Recent research shows certain countries have mastered the art of taking it easy without sacrificing success. Recent happiness studies and work-life balance research paint a clear picture of where the truly relaxed lifestyles exist. Let’s explore these havens of calm.
New Zealand – The Ultimate Work-Life Paradise
New Zealand emerged as the top destination for work-life balance in 2025, holding its place at the top of the index for the third year in a row, even improving on its score from 2024 thanks in part to a slight jump in minimum wage. What makes the Kiwis so wonderfully relaxed? New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes, but it’s the laid-back lifestyle and strong sense of community that truly make it special. With a focus on work-life balance, clean air, and access to nature, life here tends to move at a more relaxed, intentional pace.
The country scores incredibly well across multiple factors. It scores consistently well across the study – particularly in areas like statutory annual leave, public happiness, safety, and minimum wage (where it is ranked the second-highest of all countries assessed). Perhaps most telling is the cultural approach to work itself. Hard work is seen as important in Kiwi culture, but as the New Zealand government’s guide to the NZ way of working points out, “Life is for living and employers generally respect that.”
Denmark – Masters of Hygge and Balance
Denmark consistently appears near the top of every happiness and lifestyle ranking for good reason. The Danes have long been associated with a harmonious personal-professional divide. Indeed, many point to Denmark’s strong emphasis on balancing work and life as a key reason it consistently ranks among the world’s happiest nations – although the Danes’ fondness for the hygge lifestyle may also be a factor. The numbers tell a compelling story about Danish relaxation.
It also has one of the shorter average working weeks in Europe and is considered one of the safest and most LGBTQ+-friendly countries. But Denmark’s lifestyle magic goes beyond statistics. Finally, the Danes have given the world the concept of “hygge” (pronounced “hooga”), a warmly human term for time spent away from the hustle and bustle, peacefully relaxing and appreciating life’s smaller joys, often with family and/or friends. Denmark has an official work week of 37 hours, and most Danes leave work around 4 pm. Although they are hard workers, overtime is not encouraged, and you’ll find that businesses are almost shut off in July when most people go off to enjoy summer.
Finland – The World’s Happiest Nation
Finland tops the happiness index again in 2025, with Nordic and Scandinavian countries faring particularly well. This northern country has perfected the balance between productivity and leisure in remarkable ways. Finland performs exceptionally well in work-life balance rankings, setting the gold standard for work-life balance. Finnish workers put in an average of 1,499 hours annually – well below countries like Australia or the US – and receive 36 days of paid leave, offering plenty of time for holidays, rest, and recharging.
Finnish family support systems create an incredibly relaxed environment for parents. Paid parental leave is generous, with mothers typically receiving several months of paid leave, while fathers get more than 16 weeks of paid paternity leave. This helps reduce parental stress and reflects a strong commitment to balancing work and home life. Finland has considered flexible working hours, including the option of a four-day workweek, with the government encouraging a focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.
Costa Rica – Pura Vida Living
Costa Rica embodies relaxation through its famous “pura vida” philosophy. “The Pura Vida vibe flowing through Costa Rica attracts those seeking adventures in nature and a laid-back lifestyle,” the report stated. This isn’t just a tourist slogan – it’s a genuine way of life that permeates everything from work culture to daily interactions.
Costa Rica’s work culture focuses on a balance between work and life. This helps them stay productive and enjoy personal time. Costa Ricans value work-life balance, so you’ll find plenty of opportunities to unwind after work, whether through surfing, hiking, or simply enjoying the laid-back vibe of the country. The lifestyle attracts people worldwide seeking a slower pace. When you live in Costa Rica, the lifestyle invites you to sit back, relax, and recognize that life is pretty good. You’re not the only expat lured to Costa Rica because of its “pura vida.” Translated as “pure life,” this phrase encapsulates how locals, known as Ticos, approach life.
Norway – Nature-Focused Tranquility
Norway combines stunning natural beauty with a deeply ingrained respect for personal time. Norway is ranked 7th among 143 countries as one of the happiest, according to the World Happiness Report 2024. Many Norwegians own or rent hytter, summer cabins, where they retreat during weekends and holidays to disconnect from work. These cabins are often located in rural areas, mountains, or by the sea.
The work culture reflects this outdoor-focused lifestyle beautifully. Workweek is 37.5 hours. Vacation is five weeks per year. The winters may be long and dark, and the cost of living isn’t low, but Norway boasts high living standards and a life-first attitude where spending time outdoors is almost seen as non-negotiable. This cultural emphasis on nature and leisure time creates one of the world’s most balanced lifestyles.
Sweden – Efficiency Meets Relaxation
Sweden has mastered the art of working smart, not hard. Flexible hours, two years of parental leave, and high efficiency during working hours characterise Sweden. People spend a lot of time with their families and friends, but when they are in the office, there are fewer interruptions and socialising than you’ll see in other countries where people work longer hours. This type of focused approach to your current activity contributes greatly to achieving work-life balance in Sweden.
Swedish workplace culture includes delightful traditions that promote relaxation. Many employers in Sweden offer informal coffee breaks, known as “fika,” which are considered an essential part of Swedish work culture. The country provides exceptional support for families too. Sweden offers the best parental leave, providing 480 days of paid leave per child. These leave days can be shared between both parents.
Netherlands – Cycling to Serenity
The Dutch have created perhaps the most balanced lifestyle in Europe through practical policies and cultural attitudes. The Netherlands has one of the shortest average work weeks in Europe. Their approach to commuting alone demonstrates their relaxed philosophy. In the Netherlands and Denmark, 25 – 35% of the locals bike to work.
The standard workweek in the Netherlands is 36 to 40 hours, usually spread over five days, Monday to Friday. Many employees work a four-day workweek or have flexible work arrangements. Overtime is not a wide-spread practice in the Netherlands, as employers are conscious of maintaining work-life balance. This creates an environment where stress levels remain remarkably low and people have time for what matters most.
Australia – The No-Worries Nation
Australia’s laid-back reputation isn’t just marketing – it’s backed by real cultural attitudes and policies. The global perception of Australian culture is that it tends to be very laid back, with Aussies generally adopting a “no-worries” attitude to life. Their workplaces broadly reflect this, prioritizing openness and egalitarianism. The country maintains a strong focus on employee wellbeing, holding its position at number eight for life-work balance for the second year running.
Highlights: Laid-back lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and strong economy. Australia offers a unique blend of a laid-back lifestyle, good climate, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong economy. Perhaps unsurprisingly for a country with such a relaxed outlook (and year-round sunshine, too), Australians tend to work short hours (32.29 per week) compared to most other countries. The outdoor culture plays a huge role in maintaining this relaxed approach to life.
Switzerland – Alpine Peace
Switzerland combines stunning mountain scenery with a culture of precision and balance. Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the best countries to live in, and 2024 is no exception. Renowned for its high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and robust economy, it’s a haven for nature lovers and professionals alike. The Swiss neutrality also ensures a peaceful and politically stable environment.
Swiss work culture emphasizes quality over quantity. Switzerland offers the highest salaries, with cost of living being the highest therefore. Here, overtime is additionally paid at 125% of regular pay. The country’s approach to work-life balance reflects broader cultural values around precision, quality, and respect for personal time. This creates an environment where people can enjoy both professional success and personal tranquility.
Portugal – Mediterranean Calm
Portugal has emerged as a favorite destination for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences. Ranking above the industrialized nations’ average in terms of housing, work-life balance, personal security and environmental quality, Portugal is also considered one of the top expat destinations due to its overall quality of life.
Portugal is a top choice for expats seeking an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle, offering scenic landscapes, a mild climate, and a relaxed pace of life. Portugal’s cost of living is also relatively low compared to other Western European countries. Whether you’re walking through Lisbon’s tiled streets or enjoying the calm of the Algarve, Portugal offers a quality of life that feels much richer than its price tag. It’s especially popular with retirees and digital nomads who are drawn to its laid-back pace and ease of integration.
The data paints a clear picture: the most laid-back countries aren’t necessarily the wealthiest or most powerful. They’re the ones that have figured out what truly matters – time for family, nature, personal pursuits, and genuine rest. These nations prove that you can maintain economic prosperity while keeping stress levels low and happiness high. What do you think about their approach to balancing success with serenity?