Hungary joins global elite in work-life balance – But can we afford to enjoy it?
Hungary has once again edged toward the global elite in the 2025 international rankings assessing work–life balance. The results highlight favourable conditions in key areas such as maternity leave and vacation time, though low minimum wages and long working hours remain significant challenges.
Global Work–Life Balance Index
As reported by Portfolio, the 2025 Global Work–Life Balance Index offers a comprehensive look at which countries provide conditions that support citizens not only in their careers but also in their personal lives. The study evaluated 60 countries based on criteria including vacation time, maternity benefits, wages, healthcare systems, public safety, and overall societal well-being.
New Zealand and Ireland topped the list, thanks to their generous social benefits and advanced welfare systems. Hungary also made a strong showing, coming in 18th—a noteworthy achievement, especially compared to other countries in the region.
Hungary’s strengths
Hungary stands out for its generous maternity leave: mothers are entitled to 24 weeks of fully paid leave, a notable benefit even by European standards. Workers also receive a total of 33 days of vacation annually—above the EU average—which promotes greater rest and recuperation.
Public safety is another area where Hungary performs well. According to the Global Peace Index, the country offers a relatively calm and secure environment. These factors carried significant weight in the index and helped lift Hungary to the 18th spot.
Challenges remain
However, the report also points to several weaknesses. Hungary’s happiness index—a measure of subjective well-being—stands at just 5.92, considerably lower than in Scandinavian countries. The average workweek is 37.2 hours, not excessive but still higher than in leading nations like Denmark and Norway.
In addition, income replacement during sick leave is only partial, covering just 60–79% of regular wages. Social inclusion is another area where improvement is needed: the legal and social standing of the LGBTQ+ community is rated as moderately supported.
The biggest challenge, however, lies in compensation. Hungary’s minimum wage—USD 4.42 per hour—lags behind not only Western European countries but also some Central and Eastern European neighbours. This is particularly concerning given that basic living costs, including food prices, are approaching Western European levels, limiting the real purchasing power of Hungarian wages.
The report concludes that where economic growth and social development go hand in hand, people can expect a more balanced and sustainable quality of life.
Read more labour market-related news on Daily News Hungary.
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