Great work-life balance yet so high burn-out numbers, how come?

Happy Monday, everyone :)

I wanted to bring up a topic for discussion about work-life balance. The Netherlands is often ranked as the best country for work-life balance, but at the same time, recent stats show that 1 in 5 employees experience burnout. In sectors such as IT it is 1 out of 4.

From my experience working at international companies here, I wouldn’t say the work-life balance is particularly amazing. In IT, I’ve seen more people take long burnout leaves than in other European countries I’ve worked in. Sure, some locals work less than 40 hours a week, but for expats, it’s usually the full 40, plus unpaid overtime sometimes. In higher-paid positions, overtime can be expected, though it’s not always directly mentioned. I recently visited my huisarts and found she’d been replaced due to burnout. Every week, I hear about someone in our company going on a long leave for the same reason. It feels like almost every second or third Dutch person I know has been on extended burnout leave at least once. So, how is the Netherlands still topping the work-life balance rankings?

I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Why do you think burnout rates are so high here, despite the country being praised for its work-life balance? Or do you think it’s easier here to get approval for long-term sick leave due to burnout and it's just being exploited?

P.S. Stay healthy, happy and don't get sick :)