Bahrain best in world for expat work life balance

If you’re planning to enhance both your career and your salary in the Gulf States, Bahrain would seem to be your best choice as regards lifestyle.

A recent survey reported Bahrain as the second most popular world expat destination for its superb work-life balance. Almost half of expats replying to the survey reported they’d chosen the emirate for work-related reasons, with its high scores in this and other categories confirming their decisions. In addition, 70 per cent of respondents said they were earning considerably more that they would in a similar job back home. Almost three quarters of those surveyed are satisfied with their jobs.

The key findings in addition to the work/life balance category were working hours, with 72 per cent saying they were satisfied with the average working hours at 42.9 per week, leaving enough time to relax and unwind. However, Bahrain’s top position is being chased by Oman, ranked ninth in the survey for its work/life balance. A similar number of expats had chosen Oman for reasons related to work, with almost 100 per cent of those surveyed working full time.

Again, work/life balance was considered satisfactory, but Oman fell down on satisfaction with career prospects at just 39 per cent and job security coming in at 47 per cent. Some 60 per cent are satisfied with their progress, and 70 per cent are happy working 43.5 hours per week.

The survey seems to suggest those who are the most satisfied with their work/life balance don’t necessarily work fewer hours, but have a better attitude towards both working hours and leisure time. It could be said the more expats put into their lives, the more they get out.