Mental Health Specialist Sarah Jeffries from Mental Health First Aid investigates the complex connections between employment conditions, unemployment, and mental health at work. As our professional environments evolve, there’s a pressing need for a more profound understanding of how the duration of work and unemployment statistics influence mental wellness. Through the lens of our recent study, we aim to highlight these essential interactions.
We analysed the number of work hours and the unemployment rate in different countries and merged these two metrics into a weighted Mental Health Index. This gave us an ultimate ranking of the best countries for mental health at work.
Top 5 Best Countries for Mental Health at Work:
| Country | Hours of Work | Long Term Unemployment Rate % |
| Denmark | 1363 | 11.40 |
| Netherlands | 1417 | 19.29 |
| Norway | 1427 | 19.57 |
| Sweden | 1444 | 22.38 |
| Australia | 1694 | 3.70 |
Bottom 5 Worst Countries for Mental Health at Work:
| Country | Hours of Work | Long Term Unemployment Rate % |
| Greece | 1872 | 63.13 |
| Slovakia | 1583 | 66.52 |
| Italy | 1669 | 58.41 |
| Lithuania | 1838 | 38.91 |
| Romania | 1838 | 38.46 |
The Healthy Work Routine
A balanced work life is essential for mental health. Optimal work hours, ideally between 35-40 per week, enable a healthy equilibrium that fosters productivity and personal happiness. Notably, countries like Denmark and the Netherlands set exemplary standards with work hours that support mental health, demonstrating the importance of a work-life balance.
Creating a supportive work environment, incorporating regular breaks, and facilitating personal growth are vital. The trend towards flexible work arrangements signifies a step in the right direction, potentially alleviating work-related stress and preventing burnout, as evidenced by our analysis.
The prevalence of extended hours beyond the recommended limit poses a significant concern. Countries like Mexico and Chile exemplify this trend, which could lead to chronic stress and fatigue, underscoring the need for policy reforms to reduce overwork.
The Impact of Unemployment on Mental Health
Unemployment extends beyond economic struggle, affecting mental health through increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Our findings, particularly highlighting countries with high unemployment rates such as Greece and Slovakia, stress the necessity for comprehensive support systems, skill development initiatives, and community engagement to counteract these adverse effects.
“As a mental health expert deeply involved in studying the nuances of work environments, our findings highlight a pivotal connection between the structure of work and mental health outcomes,” comments mental health expert Sarah Jeffries.
“The data reveals a striking pattern: countries with shorter working hours and lower long-term unemployment rates, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, rank highest in mental health at work. This underscores the critical importance of maintaining a work-life balance and the profound impact of employment stability on mental wellbeing. Creating supportive, flexible, and balanced workspaces can significantly mitigate stress and enhance overall mental wellbeing, paving the way for more productive and happier societies.”
Full data below:
| Rank | Country | Hours of Work | Long term Unemployment Rate % |
| 1 | Denmark | 1363 | 11.4 |
| 2 | Netherlands | 1417 | 19.29 |
| 3 | Norway | 1427 | 19.57 |
| 4 | Sweden | 1444 | 22.38 |
| 5 | Australia | 1694 | 3.7 |
| 6 | Luxembourg | 1382 | 29.17 |
| 7 | Germany | 1349 | 33.04 |
| 8 | New Zealand | 1730 | 11.58 |
| 9 | UK | 1497 | 24.4 |
| 10 | Austria | 1442 | 25.24 |
| 11 | Finland | 1518 | 23.12 |
| 12 | Estonia | 1767 | 22.34 |
| 13 | France | 1490 | 27.48 |
| 14 | Latvia | 1601 | 29.07 |
| 15 | Canada | 1685 | 10.75 |
| 16 | Ireland | 1775 | 31.71 |
| 17 | Japan | 1607 | 35.56 |
| 18 | Cyprus | 1745 | 33.25 |
| 19 | Hungary | 1697 | 34.19 |
| 20 | USA | 1791 | 15.06 |
| 28 | Poland | 1830 | 30.11 |
| 29 | Czech Republic | 1753 | 33.91 |
| 30 | Malta | 1882 | 34.15 |
| 31 | Spain | 1641 | 39.03 |
| 32 | Croatia | 1835 | 35.77 |
| 33 | Romania | 1838 | 38.46 |
| 34 | Lithuania | 1838 | 38.91 |
| 35 | Italy | 1669 | 58.41 |
| 36 | Slovakia | 1583 | 66.52 |
| 37 | Greece | 1872 | 63.13 |
Mental Health First Aid are committed to equipping people from all walks of life with comprehensive mental health first aid skills, empowering them to support those in need and fostering a culture of care and understanding.