Imagine a work environment where 'logging off' truly means peace of mind. In France, this is a reality thanks to their "right to disconnect" law, safeguarding personal time from work emails. This is just one facet of the French commitment to work-life balance, which also boasts up to five weeks of paid vacation and a 35-hour workweek.
The world, however, is rich with innovation in labor laws. Take Denmark’s "flexicurity" model – a blend of flexibility for employers and robust security for employees – or Sweden's remarkably generous 480-day parental leave. Meanwhile, Finland experiments with a condensed four-day week, suggesting that productivity could flourish within a shortened work cycle.
Personal injury law firm Bisnar Chase commissioned a survey of 3,000 employees to ask them one central question:
'Which international labor law would you most want to adopt for your state?'
The top 10 choices for New York were as follows:
#1 Germany
New Yorkers overwhelmingly were in favor of adopting Germany's robust labor laws, which include protection against unjust dismissal, strong representation of workers through works councils and unions, and is currently looking to implement the Mobile Work Act. This will give employees the legal right to work from home when possible. Germany also has laws regulating work hours, including breaks and maximum work hours per week.
#2 Denmark
Known for its strong labor unions and high level of worker protection, Denmark does not have a minimum wage set by law. Instead, wages are negotiated between unions and employers, often leading to relatively high salaries. The country also boasts a flexible model known as "flexicurity," which makes it easy for employers to hire and fire but provides generous unemployment benefits and job training programs.
#3 France
France has laws that protect employees' right to disconnect from work-related emails and communications during non-work hours. This law, implemented in 2017, aims to prevent burnout and ensure that employees have a clear separation between their work and personal life.
#4 Luxembourg
Known for having one of the highest minimum wages in the world, Luxembourg also provides its workers with generous social benefits, including paid leave, pensions, and healthcare. The country focuses on employee well-being, with laws in place to ensure a reasonable work-life balance.
#5 Netherlands
The Netherlands offers a high degree of flexibility in work arrangements, including part-time work rights and the ability to adjust working hours. Dutch labor laws also include provisions for a healthy work-life balance, generous parental leave, and the protection of temporary workers through the Dutch Civil Code.
#6 Sweden
Sweden is known for its progressive labor laws, including extensive parental leave (up to 480 days shared between both parents), a focus on work-life balance, and strong protections for part-time and temporary workers. The country also supports employees' rights to take unpaid leave for educational purposes.
#7 Canada
In recent years, Canada has made strides in improving labor laws, including increasing the federal minimum wage, enhancing maternity and parental leave benefits, and implementing measures to address workplace harassment and violence. Certain provinces, like Ontario, have introduced "right to disconnect" policies similar to France's.
#8 New Zealand
Known for its forward-thinking approach to employee well-being, New Zealand has implemented laws aimed at preventing workplace bullying and stress. The country also trialled a four-day workweek, with some businesses reporting higher productivity and employee satisfaction.
#9 Norway
Norway has a strong focus on work-life balance, with laws ensuring flexible working hours for parents and generous parental leave policies. The country also has high standards for worker safety and health, and a strong social safety net supported by labor unions and the government.
#10 Australia
Australia has strong labor laws that include provisions for fair work practices, minimum wage standards, and leave entitlements. The country also has a focus on ensuring work-life balance, with rights to request flexible working arrangements and protections for workers against unfair dismissal.
Interactive map showing each state’s top labor laws they would like to adopt for their own state (click on 'embed' to host on your site)
“As we examine the evolving landscape of international labor laws, it's clear that employees value the fusion of flexibility and security in their professional lives. The findings from our survey underscore a global aspiration towards models that not only boost productivity but also foster well-being and balance”, says Brian Chase of Bisnar Chase.