Where in the World: The Best Countries to Work in

Around 900 million people (16% of adults) globally want to leave their home country permanently, and more people than ever are willing to relocate to chase career aspirations, higher pay and a better work-life balance.   

If you’re considering a move, we analysed and scored high GDP nations based on working hours, annual leave, equality, happiness, parental leave and more to rank the best countries in the world to work in.

Best countries to work in ranked

We compared countries with the highest GDP-to-population ratio. The top three overall, Norway, Australia and the Netherlands offer high living standards, strong economies, an excellent work-life balance, robust social security systems and inclusive, diverse work environments.

All are in the top three happiest countries globally, but each also scored high in other areas.  

Norway offers some of the highest paid maternity leave in the world, at 49 weeks. Australian minimum wage is one of the highest, at $15 per hour, while the Netherlands outranks the rest to offer the best work-life balance of all, with an average working week of 32 hours.

Happiest countries to work in  

If happiness at work is a top priority, these countries rank as the happiest places to work and live. Factors that make Switzerland, Norway and Australia so content overall include GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy and the freedom to make life choices.

Countries with the best work-life balance

According to research, a quarter of employees across 15 countries felt burnt out last year. If you’re feeling burned out and overworked, moving to one of these countries could offer you a better balance between office life and personal time. Australia, the Netherlands and Norway each offer 20 days of paid annual leave, while Norway offers the highest paid maternity leave of the countries on our list.

Compared to longer work hours in countries like Turkey, Argentina and Mexico, which all work an average 45-hour week, those in Australia, the Netherlands and Norway spend less than 35 hours working.

Best countries for parents

For parents juggling work and family life, these are the top three countries for paid maternity leave. This allows new mothers to take some much-needed time off without losing their salary.

Paternity leave is also becoming more widespread, with the UK offering 1-2 weeks off for new fathers.

Top countries for LGBTQIA+ employees

The workplace hasn’t always been a safe environment for openly LGBTQIA+ people. A 2021 survey reported that nearly half of LGBTQIA+ workers have experienced unfair treatment at work at some point, and 34% have left jobs due to this treatment.

Fortunately, we are seeing some progress toward ending this discrimination. Several countries received top marks for their anti-discrimination stance, tying for first place.

*Note that a score of 3 means no protections for LGBTQIA+ employees, and a score of 4 is ambiguous.

Best countries for women

For women looking to climb the corporate ladder, these countries are ranked top for equality in the workplace.

• Norway also topped the paid maternity leave ranking, making it a fair place for women at different stages of life to work.

• The Netherlands government supports equal rights and opportunities for women and girls.

• The Canadian government states they are committed to “advancing equality concerning sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.”

Norway is the best country to work in globally

As you can see, Norway scored high in almost every area, with its high scores making it the clear winner as the best country to work in 2024.

Norway has topped the UNDP Human Development Index for several years, with an HDI of 0.961 in 2021. HDI summarises a country’s human development achievements, including:

• Long and healthy lifespan
• Standard of living
• Knowledge

Working hours in Norway are 9 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Working overtime entitles employees to an overtime supplement at least 40% of the agreed hourly wage. Workers are also entitled to 25 working days of holiday per year.

If you’re looking for flexible office space in Norway or any countries in our ranking, browse our website right now.