New study reveals all the best countries for paid parental leave: Slovakia ranks 4th

Martina
A new study reveals the best (& the worst) countries in the world for paid parental leave, with Slovakia ranking 4th best. The study carried out by Lensa looked at the total number of paid leave weeks for both parents and at the average payment rate for paid leave, to find where in the world parents are offered the most paid parental leave.

The top 10 best countries for paid parental leave:

Rank

Country

Length of paid leave for mothers (weeks)

Average payment rate for mothers (%)

Full-rate equivalent pay for mothers (weeks)

Length of paid leave for fathers (weeks)

Average payment rate for fathers (%)

Full-rate equivalent pay for fathers (weeks)

Full-rate equivalent for both parents combined (weeks)

1

Romania

108.7

85

92.4

5.3

87.8

4.7

97.1

2

Estonia

82

100

82

2

100

2

84

3

Bulgaria

110.4

61.1

67.5

2.1

90

1.9

69.4

4

Slovakia

164

42.2

69.2

0

0

0

69.2

5

Japan

58

61.6

35.8

52

60.3

31.4

67.2

6

Hungary

160

41.1

65.8

1

100

1

66.8

7

Luxembourg

46

85.2

39.2

28

75.7

21.2

60.4

8

Slovenia

52.1

100

52.1

4.3

100

4.3

56.4

9

Czech Republic

75.1

73.8

55.4

1

59.4

0.6

56

10

Norway

86

46.4

39.9

15

95.5

14.3

54.2
Romania is officially the country that offers the most paid parental leave, with Romanian parents being able to take over 97 weeks of paid leave. Romania offers fathers 100 fewer weeks of paid leave compared to the time offered to mothers.
Estonia ranks second in our list, offering 84 weeks of paid parental leave to both parents combined. Estonia is the only country in the top 5 places that provides 100% pay for paid leave for both mothers and fathers.
Bulgaria is the third best country in the world for paid parental leave, with over 69 weeks of combined leave for mothers and fathers. While offering a generous 90% pay for paid leave to fathers, Bulgaria only allows fathers to take 2.1 weeks of paid leave to take care of their child.
The top 10 worst countries for paid parental leave:

Rank

Country

Length of paid leave for mothers (weeks)

Average payment rate for mothers (%)

Full-rate equivalent pay for mothers (weeks)

Length of paid leave for fathers (weeks)

Average payment rate for fathers (%)

Full-rate equivalent pay for fathers (weeks)

Full-rate equivalent for both parents combined (weeks)

1

Ireland

28

27.3

7.6

4

13.6

0.5

8.1

2

Switzerland

14

58.3

8.2

0

0

0

8.2

3

Australia

18

42.4

7.6

2

42.4

0.8

8.4

4

New Zealand

22

47.5

10.4

0

0

0

10.4

5

United Kingdom

39

29.8

11.6

2

18.8

0.4

12
The study also looked at the worst countries in the world for paid parental leave, and found that Ireland is the one offering the least paid parental leave for both parents combined – 8.1 weeks in total.
Switzerland and Austria rank second and third as the worst countries for paid parental leave, and are the only ones, other than Ireland, to offer under 10 weeks for both parents combined (respectively: 8.2 and 8.4).
Further findings:

  • The study also revealed the most childcare-friendly careers: Physician assistants, speech-language pathologists and web developers all have a median salary of over $60,000 and allow great flexibility when it comes to hours and vacations.

  • Working as a delivery driver is also a good way for parents to earn money outside of their family commitments. Evenings and weekends are often peak times but drivers can pick and choose where and when they work. The full findings are available to view here. 

Share This Post
Have your say!
10