Exploring the cultural intricacies of work-life balance in Europe, we’ve gathered insights from Managing Directors to CEOs. From the UK’s approach to striking a work-life balance to the varied European attitudes towards work, discover the diverse perspectives in these eight enlightening responses.
- Striking a Work-Life Balance in the UK
- Approaching European Work Humanely
- Recognizing Croatia’s Holiday Closures
- Valuing Leisure and Personal Time
- Prioritizing Personal Life in Europe
- Choosing Well-Being Over Work
- Balancing Work and Life in Europe
- Working to Live, Not Vice Versa
- Examining France and Germany’s Work-Life Policies
- Varying European Attitudes Toward Work
Striking a Work-Life Balance in the UK
James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]
As someone who was born in the UK, I’m probably very biased, but out of everywhere I’ve been—Europe, Australia, or North America—it feels like the UK has struck the perfect work-life balance. We don’t work ourselves to death like the Americans, but we don’t close down as if it’s some kind of zombie apocalypse on a Sunday. I’ve also heard from my cousin, who is an American, about how much annual leave they get in their job; I almost choked.
During my early career stage in the UK, I was working from 9:30 to 17:30, 5 days a week, with 28 days of paid time off (PTO) a year. There is no issue whatsoever with taking your time off. I went on holiday to the US for 3 weeks while working there, and it was fine. Taxes are high, but you get free healthcare, which is a very important consideration. I was walking to work for 30 minutes each way, and I cycled sometimes as well as a way to exercise.
Approaching European Work Humanely
Temmo Kinoshita, Co-Founder, Lindenwood Marketing
As a European who lives in America, I’m constantly surprised by how different the European attitude toward work-life balance is. Americans apologize for taking time off. They respond to work emails all night. I’ve even known people in America to get work done while they’re in the hospital. The European approach is much more humane.
In Europe, work is something that you do, but it isn’t your complete identity as a person. Europeans haven’t bought into the idolatry of work to the same extent that Americans have. The greater prioritization of the ‘life’ side of the work-life balance shows that.
Recognizing Croatia’s Holiday Closures
Kristine Thorndyke, Co-Founder, TEFL Hero
I’m an American expat living in Croatia, and one of the most striking examples of Europeans favoring work-life balance more than in the US is the fact that all businesses close down on any national holiday.
As a Catholic country, there are many holidays that they celebrate—and not a single business will be open. This is in stark contrast to America, where it seems like we are almost encouraged to go out and consume on holidays rather than spend the time at home resting or with loved ones.
Valuing Leisure and Personal Time
Aliaksandr Parmon, Founder and CEO, FlaxLin Eco Textiles
In Europe, a notable cultural difference in work-life balance revolves around the emphasis placed on leisure, personal time, and the separation of professional and private life. Unlike some other regions, Europeans often prioritize a healthy work-life balance, recognizing the importance of downtime and family.
In many European countries, there is a prevailing belief that working excessively long hours does not equate to increased productivity or job satisfaction. Instead, there is a cultural understanding that time spent outside of the workplace contributes to overall well-being and enhances an individual’s ability to perform effectively when on the job.
Europeans value longer vacations and holidays, seeing them as essential for rejuvenation and maintaining a high quality of life. This perspective contrasts with certain work-centric cultures that may prioritize long working hours over extended periods of rest.
In summary, the European approach to work-life balance emphasizes the significance of personal time, leisure, and a clear boundary between professional and private spheres, contributing to a more holistic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Prioritizing Personal Life in Europe
Keith Sant, CMO, Eazy House Sale
In Europe, one of the key distinctions in terms of work-life balance and work attitudes lies in their emphasis on valuing personal life beyond the realm of work. Europeans are known for their ability to relax and enjoy life rather than being consumed by work responsibilities.
This is clear in their generous vacation-time allowances and shorter working hours. In many European countries, it is common for people to take extended breaks during the workday to have a leisurely lunch or spend time with family.
This emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance contributes to overall satisfaction and well-being in European cultures. Many companies in Europe offer flexible working arrangements, such as telecommuting and part-time options, which further support a healthy work-life balance for employees.
Choosing Well-Being Over Work
Aiden Higgins, Senior Editor and Writer, The Broke Backpacker
Being in the travel industry, I am lucky to immerse myself in different cultures. This helps to give me more perspective in my day-to-day life. It enables me to get a better grasp of how people work.
Within Europe, many countries prioritize well-being over work. Their way of promoting a healthy work-life balance is by being considerate of personal commitments and aiming for a manageable work schedule. This is also reflective of the types of work offered. For example, in England, you are likely to see similar cultural attitudes toward work-life balance as you would in North America, but countries like Denmark and the Netherlands have a much healthier outlook.
You can see this by comparing the number of remote jobs offered between countries, as many countries have these positions available, knowing that people’s lives are important and sometimes need to take precedence over the work schedule.
Balancing Work and Life in Europe
Faizan Khan, PR and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy Australia
A balanced approach is one of the main cultural differences in European work-life balance. Work is essential for a good life, but it shouldn’t dominate over other aspects of your life.
From spending time with their families to regularly going for leisure activities to giving attention to themselves, people focus on enjoying life outside work. Your professional commitments shouldn’t be more important than your time. You must stabilize both instead of treating them as separate entities.
Work-life balance in Europe, therefore, is healthy. Employees don’t ignore or undervalue their work, but they don’t treat it as their sole priority either. This mindset keeps their mental health and motivation high for great professional achievements.
Work to Live, Not Vice Versa
Amy Mangrum, Founder and CEO, House Buying Girls
In Europe, one of the key cultural distinctions regarding work-life balance and work attitudes revolves around the idea of “working to live, not living to work.” This means that Europeans prioritize their personal lives and well-being over their jobs and careers.
In contrast, many other cultures, particularly in Asia and America, have a more “live to work” mentality. This means that work is often seen as the main priority, and personal life is secondary. This cultural difference can be seen in various aspects of work-life balance, such as working hours, vacation time, and parental leave.
In Europe, it is common for employees to have shorter working hours and more time off for holidays and vacations compared to other regions. There are often stronger labor laws and protections in place to ensure that employees have a healthy work-life balance.
Attitudes toward work also differ in Europe compared to other regions. In many European countries, there is less of a focus on climbing the corporate ladder and more importance placed on having a fulfilling personal life outside of work.
Examining France and Germany’s Work-Life Policies
Manish Shrestha, Founder, BiheBazaar Pvt Ltd
There are several cultural differences in work-life balance and attitudes towards the world of labor, especially in European countries such as France, Germany, etc. France: Policies and cultural norms in France also show a strong commitment to work-life balance. The French are proud of short working hours, generous vacations, and culturally protected leisure time.
The “35-hour workweek” policy, which was adopted in the early 2000s, is another indication that much effort and significance has been given to ensuring enough time for individuals so they can enjoy their personal lives. This cultural viewpoint supports the idea that a balanced and satisfied person is also likely to be more productive and motivated during workplace hours.
Germany: On the other hand, Germany attaches great importance to a healthy work-life balance. The issue of “Arbeitszeitverkürzung,” or shorter working hours, has come to the fore. During the working day, Germans appreciate efficiency and rarely promote an overworked culture. In addition, a “Feierabend” lifestyle, which means the end of the working day, is deeply rooted.
Germans value the boundary between work and personal life, aiding in fostering the concept that people should completely disassociate from their obligations at work outside of normal working hours. It contrasts with some other regions where a longer working week might be considered the standard.
Emphasis on leisure, personal time, and a quality work-life balance contribute to employee welfare and support the idea that a happy and rested worker is likely to be more productive and innovative during their working hours.
These cultural variations show Europe’s varying ways of approaching work-life balance, recognizing the significance of personal life and satisfaction in connection with professional responsibilities.
Varying European Attitudes Toward Work
Kate Kandefer, CEO, SEOwind
How much variance there is in attitudes just across a border! While there are some differences from state to state, going the same distance in Europe can mean a fairly drastic shift in attitudes toward work and overall work-life balance.
You’ll see lower-cost-of-living countries often have a very nose-to-the-grindstone attitude toward work simply because it is that much harder to make a living. But conversely, you’ll also see most EU countries go in the complete opposite direction, with something like 36 guaranteed days off a year, if not more.
Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by Mehar Jolly
