3 days ago
'People work so little': Is Norway's famous work-life balance myth or reality?
A father pushes a stroller with a sleepy baby through Oslo's Frogner Park, taking patient sips of his takeaway coffee while listening to a Roman Empire podcast.
It's 10 am, and he has already done the laundry, picked up a package at the post office, and is now heading to Deichman Bjørvika for playtime with his 9-month-old daughter.
This is a common scene in Oslo during spring—but one that feels slightly unfamiliar to many foreigners.
In Norway,
parental leave can last up to 12 months
, with the option to extend it by another year as unpaid leave. This includes the mother's leave before and after birth, as well as a period that can be divided between both parents. Parents can choose between 49 weeks with 100 percent pay or 59 weeks with 80 percent pay.
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In practice, this means fathers get time with their babies—handling diapers, vaccine appointments, and park walks—while mothers return to work.
Even after the kids start attending
barnehage
(kindergarten) at age one, or later when they begin school, parents have the right to stay home on sick days or attend school meetings—without office bureaucracy.
'I prioritise my family, especially the kids. Fortunately, I can work flexibly in terms of time and location, so I manage it well," says Lu Liu, a 42 year-old mother of two working in Business Development in Oslo.
Photo credit: Lu Liu.
"I also prioritise my physical and mental well-being by going to the gym, meeting friends, and attending activities,' she says.
Originally from China, Lu moved to Norway in 2008 and is one of many international workers who have embraced the country's work-life norms.
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Vidhi Kumar, aged 40, who moved to Asker from India eight years ago, says:
'there really is work-life balance here!'
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'Many countries say this, but Norway lives it. What I mean is that an employee is not a corporate slave working all the time and burning the candle at both ends," she say. "Every employee is valued as a person—with passion for work, but also for life outside of work. This is deeply rooted in the culture. From
barnehage
onward, you're taught that you are your own person and must be independent.'
Photo credit :Vidhi Kumar
Vidhi has always worked in fast-paced environments like startups, and in 2023, she co-founded the fintech company Cardboard. She believes Norway is a great place to take up hobbies after work for a healthier lifestyle - but she also warns about an unexpected twist.
'People spend way too much time talking about their after-work activities at work—skiing, running, and so on. So if you're not into any hobby or activity, you can feel quite shut out of these conversations.
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"Given the cultural and language differences already, this becomes another alienating factor for people from abroad who are more work-oriented.' says Vidhi.
The full advantages of Norway's work-life balance aren't always immediately apparent—and they depend on the industry.
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Sagar Sen, aged 43, moved to Norway in 2012 and started working in a research lab, where many of his colleagues were young, highly dedicated, and often from abroad. The work culture reflected that intensity. Some weren't focused on starting families, and the nature of research meant long hours.
'At first, it seemed that while researchers had to put significant effort into securing grants, the administrative staff had more regular and predictable work schedules
Photo credit: Sagar Sen
"That contrast stood out to me. But later, as I began securing my own funding and gaining more autonomy—while also starting a family—I came to appreciate the Norwegian model on a much deeper level,' he said.
An avid skier and rower, Sagar has generally appreciated the shorter, more structured workdays in Norway compared to other countries. However, he notes that the social aspect of work-life balance can feel limited.
'Informal moments to connect with colleagues—like extended lunch breaks or spontaneous gatherings—are often brief or need to be carefully planned in advance," he says.
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"For example, lunch typically lasts about 20 minutes, which is quite different from countries like France, where longer lunches create room for rich, unstructured conversations. Similarly, meeting up with colleagues or friends outside work usually requires advance planning, which can sometimes feel a bit rigid.'
'While I understand and respect the value Norwegians place on efficiency and personal time, I sometimes miss the spontaneity and slower rhythm of social life I've experienced elsewhere. The overall pace of life, while calm, can also feel fast because everything is so streamlined and organised," he says.
Less is more?
"Independence" is a word that comes up frequently in conversations about work-life balance in Norway. Employers trust you to do your job and manage your time responsibly.
'At my first job here, I was honestly surprised that working so little was even possible," says 30-year old Ksenia Karpova.
"I couldn't believe how people just came and went without checking in with a manager.
"They trusted you to get the job done. Where I'm from, the culture is completely different—people stay late at the office to show they're serious about their job,' says Russian national Ksenia, who has lived in Oslo for five years.
Photo credit: Ksenia Karpova
In Norway, a normal full-time workweek is 37.5 hours, divided into 7.5-hour workdays, excluding lunch. Core time is usually between 9 am and 3 pm, and the flexible time system is generally built on trust.
'That said, as a foreigner, I've definitely felt that I'm expected to deliver more and be more accountable," says Ksenia.
"I feel we have slightly less flexibility and often end up taking on more tasks than our Norwegian colleagues. We know we're lucky to have the job—and we work hard to keep it," she says.
Still, she agrees with the popular perception of Norway's work-life balance. 'It's much better than back home. Being able to go to the gym or even the beach at 4 pm? That's something I really appreciate.'
