European cities lead the world on quality of life for employees
The 2010 Quality of Living Survey, from HR consultancy Mercer, surveyed 221 cities and found that Europe boasted 16 cities among the world’s top 25. Vienna retained its 2009 title as the highest ranked city, followed by Zurich in second place and Geneva in third position.
In the UK, London ranks 39th, while Birmingham stands at 55 and Glasgow 57. Two new cities have also been added to the UK, with Aberdeen recording 53 and Belfast 63. Baghdad, at 221, remains bottom of the list.
Slagin Parakatil, senior researcher at Mercer said: “As the world economy becomes more globalised, cities beyond the traditional financial centres are emerging as attractive places in which to expand or establish a business. Cities in many emerging markets, such as the Middle East or Asia, have seen a significant influx of foreign companies and their expatriate employees in recent years.”
Cities with the best eco-ranking based on water availability and drinkability, waste removal and quality of sewage systems, air pollution and traffic congestion, were also included in this year’s ranking. Canada’s Calgary topped the list and was followed by Honolulu, with Ottawa and Helsinki in joint third.
The Top 10 cities for quality of life:
1. Vienna
2. Zurich
3. Geneva
4. Vancouver
5. Auckland
6. Dusseldorf
7. Frankfurt
8. Munich
9. Bern
10. Sydney
For further details see: http://uk.mercer.com/summary.htm?idContent=1173105