The 23 Best Countries for Work-Life Balance (We Are Number 23) By Derek Thompson

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http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/01/the-23-best-countries-for-work-life-balance-we-are-number-23/250830/

With the lowest child-poverty rate among developed nations, Denmark was named the best country for work-life balance in a 2011 report from the OECD.

All three Scandinavian countries -- Denmark, Sweden, and Norway -- finished in the top seven in the ranking. So famous for their generous social safety net, which sharply divides liberals and conservatives between envy and consternation, northern Europe dominated the list, taking almost all the top ten spots.

What constitutes a balance between work and life? The OECD settled on three chief variables: (1) The share of the labor force that works extreme hours; (2) leisure time; and (3) employment rates for women who have children. The United States, which leads most of the world in share of mothers who are working, lagged in leisure time and share of overworked employees. Onto the list, with some analysis below:

23 :: The U.S.
Key stat: "The US, for example, is the only OECD country without a national paid parental leave policy, although some states do provide leave payments."

Employees working very long hours: 0.11%

Employment rate of women with children: 73%

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 15.13 hours

22 :: Spain
Key stat: "Female employment in Spain is still below the OECD average (59.6%); 75% of mothers go back to work only 8 years after childbirth."

Employees working very long hours: 0.07%

Employment rate of women with children: 57%

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 15.7 hours


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