Finland is the happiest place on earth....6 years in a row!

The happiest place to live, why and what you can do about it:

Finland has once again taken the top spot for the sixth consecutive year in the Happiness Report, followed closely by Denmark and Iceland. The Nordic model of social welfare has proven to be successful in providing citizens with the necessary resources and support for a high quality of life, something that Canada and the United States can learn from.

Canada and the United States have much to improve on in terms of social welfare. For example, Canada's healthcare system is a source of pride, but it is not without its flaws. I have dual citizenship and spent the 1st 20 years of my life in Canada and then 20 years in the US and just returned to Canada; so I certainly can speak directly to the benefits and disadvantages of healthcare in both countries. Waiting times for surgeries and other medical procedures can be long, and mental health support is often not easily accessible to those who need it.

In the United States, the lack of universal healthcare and high medical costs are a major source of stress and anxiety for citizens. In my personal experience and as a recruiting expert having worked with thousands of people in my career, I can say that if your employer doesn't provide it, it's extremely expensive and can bankrupt you. Meanwhile, in Canada, you have to wait 6 months just to get your son or daughter a consultation with a dental surgeon or even longer for an MRI and a family doctor, in some places... But again, there are positives in both Countries as well. (that will be another article because there are lots of positives living in either country)

Another area where Canada and the United States can improve is education. Although both countries have well-developed education systems, they do not offer the same level of free education as Nordic countries. Both Canada and the United States have very high tuition fees for post-secondary education, making it difficult for many students to afford the education they want and need to succeed.

Moreover, the work-life balance in Canada and the United States is something that needs improvement. With long work hours and limited vacation time, individuals struggle to balance their personal and professional lives; this has evolved somewhat with Covid as many employers now offer a remote or hybrid option and many people are only willing to work that way now. The Nordic countries, on the other hand, are known for providing their citizens with ample vacation time and flexible working arrangements to prioritize their social and familial obligations.

When my 1st child was born, he was 2 months early, after beating his 10% odds of survival, I had a 6-week maternity leave; which was not even close to what my son or I needed; fortunately at the time, my employer was very gracious and lenient but that is not usually the case. As an expert in recruiting, I speak from experience.

In conclusion, while the Nordic countries continue to lead the world in happiness, Canada and the United States have areas to improve upon, as does every country, all having their benefits and disadvantages. However, by bolstering their social welfare systems, providing more accessible education, and prioritizing the work-life balance of their citizens, these countries have the potential to improve their ranking and contribute to happier societies overall.

My personal thoughts on this: With current technologies, the possibilities for remote work are seemingly endless - empowering individuals to take advantage of newfound flexibility and forge their own paths. Whether they choose to pursue freelance opportunities or find a full-time job that allows them to telecommute from anywhere in the world, modern professionals have access to an exciting array of career options. So go and make your dreams a reality, this is THE TIME.

With much care and kindness,

Gina Matteson

Founder & CEO of GemTek Recruiting & HR Solutions

https://gemtek.company

[email protected]