The secret to being the happiest country in the world: Part-time work

Working part-time may be the key to being one of the happiest countries in the world, according to a recent study.

The Netherlands consistently ranks within the top ten happiest countries in the World Happiness Report, most recently 7^th place. And the Dutch’s joy may be largely due to their work structure.

Findings from The Economist show that on average only a fifth of the working-age population in EU member states holds a part-time job (8.7% of men and 32.2% of women). However, this is considerably more for The Netherlands which tops the list of part-time workers – 26.8% of men and 76.6% of women work less than 36 hours a week.

And the correlation between happiness and part-time work goes beyond just The Netherlands. 50% of the top ten countries in the most recent World Happiness Report are also in the top ten countries for part-time work. These include; Switzerland - the happiest country and the second highest nation of part-time workers, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Top ten countries for part-time workers (The Economist):

1. The Netherlands
2. Switzerland
3. Germany
4. Austria
5. Britain
6. Belgium
7. Norway
8. Sweden
9. Denmark
10. Ireland

Top ten countries for happiness (The World Happiness Report 2015):

1. Switzerland
2. Iceland
3. Denmark
4. Norway
5. Canada
6. Finland
7. The Netherlands
8. Sweden
9. New Zealand
10. Australia