In this article, we will take a look at the 20 Asian countries with the best work-life balance. If you want to skip our discussion on the work-life balance disparities, you can go directly to the 5 Asian Countries with the Best Work-Life Balance.
Research reveals that over three-quarters of employees experience burnout in their current roles. The ongoing struggle towards achieving a healthy work-life balance for a significant portion of the world’s employees has also been highlighted in a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This report sheds light on a concerning trend: over a third of the global workforce regularly exceeds the 48-hour workweek limit. Despite some progress in promoting a more balanced lifestyle, the high incidence of burnout highlights the need for improvements across various regions.
Worst work-life balance countries frequently face challenges such as long working hours, few days off, and increased stress from work responsibilities. This issue is particularly pronounced in Mexico, where a large number of employees (27%) work longer hours compared to the OECD average (10%). There is also a noticeable gender disparity, with 33% of men experiencing long working hours, whereas 17% of women are in a similar situation.
On the other hand, many countries on our list of the best work-life balance countries in 2024 provide generous paid leave and comprehensive family benefits packages, which promote a balanced lifestyle. For instance, in Spain, parents have the legal right to reduce their work hours to address childcare needs. This has resulted in a reduction of 18% in total work time.
Although European countries dominate all listings of top countries for work-life balance, several Asian countries, such as Saudi Arabia and South Korea, also have high scores on Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index. Several Asian companies are known for their policies that promote work-life balance. Some of the best Asian companies for work-life balance are Tech Mahindra Limited (NSE:TECHM), Shiseido Company, Limited (OTCMKTS:SSDOY), and Maybank (KLSE:MAYBANK).
Shiseido Company, Limited (OTCMKTS:SSDOY) is a leader in the Japanese beauty industry with innovative skincare, suncare, and makeup products. It has a legacy of 150 years. Shiseido’s commitment to work-life balance is evident in the high rate of employees returning from childcare leave (94.9%). Initiatives like “Welcome Back Seminars” and promoting paternity leave through employee stories aim to achieve a healthy work environment.
Tech Mahindra Limited (NSE:TECHM) is a leading global technology consulting company based in India that provides digital solutions and services to clients across industries. Tech Mahindra Limited (NSE:TECHM) has several policies that promote work-life balance, such as working from home, flexible work arrangements, parental care leave, in addition to paid time off. The company secured the third position on Vault’s 2024 rankings for the best consulting firms in Asia-Pacific for work-life balance.
Maybank (KLSE:MAYBANK) stands as a financial services giant in Malaysia. It pioneered extended maternity leave in Malaysia, offering up to 365 days for female employees. This groundbreaking initiative set the stage for a continuous stream of policies and programs that champion family values and allow employees to integrate work with their personal lives.
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Our Methodology
To shortlist the 20 Asian countries with the best work-life balance, we consulted Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index. The index was created after analyzing the top 60 economies for key workplace factors like statutory annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, healthcare access, and overall happiness to create a ranking system with scores out of 100. Each country on the list is accompanied by relevant findings across these metrics, along with the average weekly working hours, to provide insight into the typical workload of employees in that country. The findings shared are sourced through the Remote Global Life-Work Balance Index and various surveys. We have ranked the countries in ascending order based on their index scores. The list also includes some of the countries with the best work-life balance for doctors.
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20 Asian Countries with the Best Work-Life Balance
20. Iraq
Index Score: 34.47
Average Hours Worked per Week: 33.6
In Iraq, people place a lot of emphasis on balancing their work and personal lives. According to a survey conducted amongst workers in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, around 60% of professionals stated that their families are the most important factor influencing their happiness. Moreover, 84% of respondents reported that the top management respects their time and emphasizes work-life balance. Iraqis work an average of 33.6 hours per week.
19. Iran
Index Score: 36.03
Average Hours Worked per Week: 33.6
In Iran, many companies go beyond the standard benefits of 53 days of annual leave, emergency leave, marriage leave, and hospitalization leave by offering additional paid sick leave days to their employees. The average number of hours that an Iranian works per week is 33.6, while the happiness score is 4.89. These scores fall within the normal ranges required for an ideal work-life balance.
18. Kazakhstan
Index Score: 37.77
Average Hours Worked per Week: 30.7
Kazakhstan recently introduced a four-day workweek and flexible working options. According to Kazakhstan’s labor laws, the standard workweek should not surpass 40 hours, equivalent to eight hours per workday from Monday through Friday. The average number of hours that an employee works in Kazakhstan stands at 30.7, well within the limits set by the government. As a result, the happiness index of Kazakhstan’s employees is 6.23, which reflects a good work-life balance.
17. Indonesia
Index Score: 38.21
Average Hours Worked per Week: 31.9
Indonesia prioritizes work-life balance, with nearly half of employees considering it a top job factor. This cultural emphasis on personal well-being is reflected in their dedication to social gatherings, religious events, and family time, which they view as equally important as work responsibilities. This is further supported by moderate working hours, typically averaging 31.9 hours per week, allowing for a good balance between professional and personal commitments.
16. Kuwait
Index Score: 38.73
Average Hours Worked per Week: 36.7
Kuwait is a West Asian country with no income tax. It operates on a work week spanning Saturday to Thursday, with Friday serving as the official day of rest. Companies can opt for a five-day workweek, granting both Friday and Saturday as off days. Interestingly, the average Kuwaiti employee works around 36.7 hours per week, and they are entitled to a one-hour break after every 5 consecutive working hours, which is not counted as part of their official work time.
15. United Arab Emirates
Index Score: 39.26
Average Hours Worked per Week: 32
According to a survey by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), work-life balance has become important in the UAE, with 67% of employees prioritizing it alongside salary. This shift in priorities necessitates that companies adapt to the changing work culture. UAE is among the top 15 Asian countries with the best work-life balance.
14. China
Index Score: 40.89
Average Hours Worked per Week: 31.6
China has a legal workweek of 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. While the average hours worked per week in the country stands at 31.6, employers can extend working hours for specific needs after consulting with trade unions and workers. This extension is typically limited to one additional hour per day, and any overtime must be compensated. Nearly two-thirds of Chinese workers have come to value their private lives more than success at work to a greater degree.
13. Bangladesh
Index Score: 41.2
Average Hours Worked per Week: 28.5
Bangladesh has seen improvements in creating a positive work environment through initiatives like flexible work hours, leave options, and attractive employee benefits, leading to a well-maintained work-life balance. A Bangladeshi employee works an average of just 28.5 hours per week.
12. Turkey
Index Score: 42.7
Average Hours Worked per Week: 29.1
Turkey operates under labor and trade union laws that establish a maximum 45-hour workweek. The average workweek in the country currently stands at a much lower 29.1 hours, indicating a positive trend. Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, organizations are increasingly adopting initiatives that make employees’ lives easier, such as offering services that support their personal needs. This focus on well-being is further evidenced by the rising popularity of the 4-day workweek. The first company in Turkey to adopt a four-day workweek reported an 85% improvement in both work-life balance and employee engagement.
11. Israel
Index Score: 42.99
Average Hours Worked per Week: 33.6
While over 14% of Israeli workers do log long hours, the average workweek in Israel sits at a moderate 33.6 hours. This, along with adequate leave options, leads to a rising work-life balance satisfaction rate of 61% and a happiness index of 7.36 out of 10. It seems that Israel is on the right track towards achieving a better balance between professional commitments and personal well-being.
10. India
Index Score: 44.32
Average Hours Worked per Week: 31.9
India has an average workweek of 31.9 hours, while the happiness index of employees stands at 3.78. The Factories Act guarantees 12 paid leave days per year for workers who have completed at least 240 working days. Moreover, workers taking 4 or more consecutive leave days receive their wages upfront, ensuring they are financially prepared for their time off.
9. Pakistan
Index Score: 45.99
Average Hours Worked per Week: 26.3
Pakistani work culture often demands dedication and commitment. Pakistani law sets the standard workday at 9 hours, including a one-hour break for lunch and prayer. Overtime can extend daily hours to a maximum of 12. However, the legal workweek remains capped at 48 hours, with a maximum of 56 hours, including overtime. This translates to a maximum of 8 overtime hours per week, averaging roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes daily. Pakistanis work for an average of 26.3 hours per week, which points to a satisfactory work-life balance.
8. Japan
Index Score: 48.13
Average Hours Worked per Week: 30.7
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Ikigai, a cherished Japanese philosophy, guides working-age individuals toward finding fulfillment and a sense of purpose in life. People working in companies in Japan usually work from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays. There are many cases where Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays are days off, but some people in the service and real estate industries are off on weekdays and work on weekends. Japan is among the top 10 countries with the best work-life balance in Asia.
7. Philippines
Index Score: 48.68
Average Hours Worked per Week: 26.3
The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia. While work hours vary across different industries, Filipinos generally prioritize personal relationships over professional advancement. This is evident in the fact that nearly 73% of Filipino workers would even consider sacrificing a pay raise or promotion for a better work-life balance. Filipinos work an average of 26.3 hours per week.
6. Vietnam
Index Score: 49.65
Average Hours Worked per Week: 29.1
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country. Employees in Vietnam are becoming firmer about their work-life balance, with more than a third of them saying that they would quit if their job disturbed their work-life balance. Presently, Vietnamese employees work an average of 29.1 hours a week, with the happiness index being 5.49, suggesting a well-maintained work-life balance.
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Disclosure: None. 20 Asian Countries with the Best Work-Life Balance is originally published on Insider Monkey.
