6 Things The World Is Getting Right That The UK Isn’t

You might associate the United Kingdom with its rich history, low property taxes, charming pubs, passion for football (soccer), and advanced railway systems that can transport you nearly anywhere in the world. However, there are several areas where the rest of the world excels and the UK falls short. From sustainability practices to a better work-life balance, cultural inclusivity, and food security, there are several areas that other areas of the world are getting right and the United Kingdom isn’t. Today we’re exploring 6 areas that the world is getting right and the UK isn’t. 

Fast Points About The World Getting It Right & The UK Isn’t

• Canada does cultural inclusivity better than the United Kingdom.
• France does food security better.
• Japan does public safety right.
• Iceland does gender equality right.
• The Netherlands is doing work-life balance and innovative agriculture very well.
• Finland has extensive and easy-to-access social welfare systems.
• Australia does workforce training programs exceptionally well. 

These are a few key areas where the rest of the world is excelling, and the United Kingdom could benefit from learning from them. Below is a more in-depth look at education, healthcare, sustainability, digital innovation, affordable healthcare, and mental health awareness, highlighting what countries are doing better and why. By the end, you’ll know where the United Kingdom is lacking and specific examples of how others are doing better.

1. Education

While the UK has a great education system, it often prioritizes academic achievement and puts a strong emphasis on standardized testing. In contrast to this, Finland places emphasis on creativity, inclusivity, student well-being, and learning being a collaborative process. Teachers in Finland are highly respected professionals who hold a Masters degree, whereas in the UK teachers start at lower salaries, making it harder to recruit high-quality ones. Finland places a high priority on students’ mental health, while the UK takes a less comprehensive approach to students’ overall well-being, which can significantly impact their ultimate academic success.

2. Healthcare Access

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) offers free healthcare to all residents. However, access to care can be challenging, and wait times can be very long. Furthermore, wait times can increase significantly if you need a referral to a specialist. Denmark, on the other hand, offers free healthcare but has shorter wait times. There is an emphasis on equal access, focusing on reducing wait times and ensuring that services are available throughout the region. Residents can easily access a general practitioner, and with a focus on preventative care and early intervention, it’s much easier for them to catch things early and stay healthy.

3. Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing focus in the UK, but in Norway, it’s already a focal point. In fact, Norway is a leader in sustainability. It is one of the most renewable energy-dependent countries in the world. In the United Kingdom, car dependency remains at an all-time high, but, in Norway, there are many incentives to change to an electric vehicle. A few of these incentives are tax exemptions, access to bus lanes, and free tolls for those who are driving an electric vehicle. Furthermore, Norway has an amazing active transportation network and one of the highest recycling rates in the world. Norway has a strong commitment to sustainability and can serve as a model for the UK.

4. Digital innovation

Though the United Kingdom has made some strides when it comes to digital innovation, it’s nowhere near the level Estonia is at. Estonia is a global leader in digital innovation and has created an entire e-governance system that speeds up wait times and lets residents access all kinds of government support from the comfort of their homes. Estonia also has an incredible cybersecurity system. Furthermore, Estonia started digital literacy in the education curriculum from the very beginning, allowing children to learn tech skills right in school and become better prepared for the digital world we live in.

5. Affordable Childcare

While the UK does offer childcare, access and affordability remain a struggle for many. However, Sweden offers all of its residents universal access to affordable childcare. Sweden caps the cost at a percentage of income, ensuring equal access for all. Furthermore, Sweden regulates its early learning program, unlike the United Kingdom. Sweden emphasizes play-based learning, promoting optimal children’s development and well-being. While the UK offers childcare programs, their offerings and approaches differ. Furthermore, the UK provides only 39 weeks of maternity leave and limited paternity leave, while Sweden provides 480 paid days for two parents to share, promoting a better work-life balance.

6. Mental Health Awareness

The United Kingdom does offer mental health care, but it’s an area that’s greatly underfunded, and access to services can be challenging and complicated. People face long wait times, stigma, and sometimes, unfortunately, judgement. This is in contrast to countries like Scandinavia, where they have integrated mental health care into the broader healthcare system. Scandinavia views mental health services as a crucial component of comprehensive healthcare and prioritizes early intervention and prevention. Education directly integrates mental health, educating small children about it and empowering them to seek help when necessary. This helps normalize mental health and the need for help.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, despite the United Kingdom’s significant progress in various areas, many other countries continue to lead the way. Whether it’s education that is more student-led, inclusive, and prioritizes overall well-being; ensuring equal access to healthcare across the region; implementing groundbreaking sustainability practices; or implementing digital innovation from the very beginning, these countries are setting the standard for excellence. Affordable childcare and an increase in mental health awareness are two other ways that the rest of the world is doing better than the UK. When decision-makers align, they can achieve excellence and create a high quality of life that results in a high level of life satisfaction.