But the dreams about life being one big vacation did not pan out as planned, since people in most developed as well as developing countries are working around 40 hours a week. But some nations with a stable economy are bringing in policies that seek to reduce work hours, eventually making people happier to increase productivity. 

With a similar objective in mind, Sweden has now decided to stick to a working day of six hours, which means a 30 hour work week. The policy meant to allow people to enjoy private life, was tried by Toyota in Sweden over a decade ago, and resulted in increased profits, the Times Of India reported.

Here’s a look at other countries which already have policies for reducing work hours in place, and have benefited from them.

1. Netherlands

Average 29 hours a week.

Apart from the beautiful location, climatic conditions and the fact that driving instructors can accept sex as payments, the work hours of less than six hours a day are another reason to move to Netherlands.

The four day work week, entitlement to fully paid vacation days, maternity and paternity leaves, and laws to protect part time employees, work out just fine since people make $47000 annually on an average.

2. Sweden

Average 30 hours a week.

While trade unions dominate the labour laws and policies in Sweden, different organisations including hospitals are trying the successful six hour work day, while majority of women already work part time.

Although unions are demanding right to more work hours for women in the country, the income is also sufficient with $38000 as average annual wages.

3. Denmark

Average 33 hours a week.

Although Netherlands has the lowest work hours, Denmark has been known to be the best country for a work life balance, as people can change work schedules and have a right to take 5 weeks a year in paid vacations.

While the labor laws allow employers to hire and fire workers easily, they also protect the employee, and unemployment benefits can last till two years. With all benefits, annual wages stand at $46000 on an average.

4. Norway

Average 33 hours a week.

A minimum of 21 days of paid vacation a year and the right to reduce hours shows exactly why Norway’s labour laws are a great sign for people looking for comfortable employment.

But these generous labour laws have no effect on the income and productivity as they make $44000 annually, and the nation also enjoys a healthy economy allowing exemplary public welfare.

5. Ireland.

Average 34 hours a week.

Despite a history of political instability, the work hours for Irish people went down from 44 hours three decades ago, to 34 hours now. The phenomenon of people giving up farming, has resulted in increased industrial productivity.

While job opportunities are low, the average annual wage in the nation known for scenic locales stands at $51000.

6. Germany.

Average 35 hours a week.

With a growing economy in place, Germany has benefited from work sharing programs, as they saved people from unemployment during the global economic crisis by convincing firms to reduce hours instead of firing people.

With a large number of Germans working on part time schedules, the work life balance also allows them to make an average of $40000 a year.

7. Switzerland.

Average 35 hours a week.

With over 80% of the working age population employed, the nation in the mountains has the best employment rate among developed nations, and hence the low working hours, in addition to benefits do not come as a surprise.

Although a huge number of employees work part time, they earn the same as people working 40 hours a week in the US, and the average annual wage stands at $50000.

8. Belgium.

Average 35 hours a week.

While labour laws in Belgium are ideal for those planning to take a sabbatical, with a policy entitling employees to a one year break in a working lifetime, the paternal leave laws are also a highlight.

While workers receive allowance from government during the break, they also get 15 weeks of maternity and 10 days paternity leave, in addition to three months parental leave which can be taken before the childs 12th birthday, in short installments.

9. Australia.

Average 36 hours a week.

When the Fair Work Act of 2009 replaced the Workplace Relations Act of 1996, it paved the way for protecting workers in Australia. While the law mentions 38 hour work weeks, the act provides for a flexibility term, and the average work week stands at 36 hours.

On the other hand, the average yearly income per person stands at a healthy $45000, while it remains a popular destination for migration from other countries. 

10. Italy.

Average 36 hours a week.

In addition to being a popular vacation destination, Italy also has a worker friendly work environment, with the government promoting work sharing. The employees are also protected with overtime in a week being limited to 8 hours.

While compliance to policies by employers being ensured by imposing fines in cases of workers being made to operate over the maximum work hour limits, the average annual wage is a good $34000.

Meanwhile in India the maximum work hours a week stand at 48 hours officially, but it may exceed this since implementation of labour laws has not been very effective. 

While the predictions of 15-hour work weeks still seeming like wishful thinking, European nations seem to be leading the way in ensuring that a healthy private life is given as much importance as financial gains. 

All images sourced from Reuters