Parental leave, PTO and job protection: 10 countries with the best labor laws

Published 2 Min Read

Berlin, Germany skyline, with historical buildings with red roof-tops towards the foreground and modern skyscrapers in the background; a river goes through the city
Adobe StockBerlin, Germany

The U.S. is infamous for being a bit stingy when it comes to worker protections and benefits — so it’s not surprising that many Americans envy how other countries treat their employees. 

Personal injury law firm Bisnar Chase surveyed 3,000 employees, asking them which international labor laws they wish they could adapt in their own states. From Canada to Australia, 10 winning countries were picked for their inclusion of laws that addressed job security policies, flexible work protections, generous leave benefits and work-life balance. 

The country’s labor laws include the right to flexible work arrangements and overtime for those who work more than 38 hours per week.

Norway’s labor laws provide parents with flexible working hours and generous parental leave policies, with parents entitled to a year’s worth of time off to spend with their families.

Deanna Cuadra
Senior Reporter

Deanna Cuadra is a senior reporter at Employee Benefit News. Her work covers healthcare, U.S. policy and reform, challenges faced by women and parents in the workplace and innovation in work culture … Read full bio


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