Forbes names Copenhagen the top city in the world for a good work-life balance

According to Forbes Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is officially the best city in the world for a healthy balance between personal life and work. Data shows that Copenhagen ranks highly on various lifestyle related factors, including second in the World Happiness Index and first for gender equality according to the Gender Inequality Index. 

Denmark is also renowned for its excellent parental leave policies with both working parents entitled to combined leave of up to 52 weeks. Many workplaces have also adopted the Danish hygge culture, which centres on  slowing down and taking time to appreciate life’s small pleasures.

Kevin Pratt, Business Expert at Forbes Advisor commented:

“It is highly beneficial for businesses to prioritise and support employees' work-life balance – not only from a human perspective but because happy and rested employees are likely to perform better at work. They may also be less likely to call in sick or take extended time off due to stress or longer-term health problems.

"Happy employees are also likely to remain in their roles for longer, reducing the considerable time and costs associated with recruiting new staff.

“Businesses that strive to provide an environment that encourages and supports a healthy work-life balance will also attract the best candidates. And, of course, a business’ success – financial and otherwise – is almost entirely down to its people.”

The 20 best places to live for Work-Life Balance

1. Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Helsinki, Finland
3. Stockholm, Sweden
4. Oslo, Norway
5. Auckland, New Zealand
6. Gothenburg, Sweden
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
8. Vienna, Switzerland
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
10. Belfast, Northern Ireland
11. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
12. Amsterdam, Netherlands
13. Zurich, Switzerland
14. Prague, Czech Republic
15. Manchester, England
16. Glasgow, Scotland
17. Brisbane, Australia
18. Melbourne, Australia
19. Dublin, Ireland
20. Rotterdam, Netherlands

For additional data point figures, please visit: https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/business/work-life-balance-index/