Top Countries for Work-Life Balance in 2025: Who’s Leading the Way?
In a world that glorifies hustle, some countries have quietly figured out something better a way to live where life doesn’t have to come second.
This ranking, based on data from Remote.com, looks beyond paychecks and job titles. It measures what really matters: How much time people get to rest. How supported new mothers are. What wages look like. Who’s healthy and who’s just surviving.
It’s called the Life-Work Balance Index, and it evaluates 20 countries based on things like:
- Paid leave
- Maternity policies
- Minimum wage
- Healthcare access
- Safety
- Overall happiness
New Zealand: First on the List and Deservedly So
🇳🇿 New Zealand takes the top spot with a score of 86.9 out of 100.
What puts them there?
– 32 days of leave.
– 26 weeks of fully paid maternity.
– Universal healthcare.
It’s clear: this is a country that puts people first not just profits.
Ireland: Right Behind, With Strong Protections
🇮🇪 Ireland isn’t far behind, scoring 81.2. With universal healthcare, a high minimum wage, and 26 weeks of maternity leave, Ireland shows that well-being and economic growth can go hand in hand.
What Do the Best Countries Have in Common?
Let’s call it what it is these countries prioritize human dignity. The top performers all have:
- Generous time off
- Strong family support
- Universal or accessible healthcare
- Fair wages that actually mean something
Take 🇳🇴 Norway for example 49 weeks of full-pay maternity leave. That’s not a typo. That’s policy.
🇩🇰 Denmark and 🇫🇮 Finland also offer 35+ days of leave, alongside full government-backed healthcare. They’re not just making it easier to work they’re making it possible to live.
Canada, the UK, and Australia: Good, But Room to Grow
🇨🇦 Canada gives you universal healthcare and decent support, but offers just 55% pay for maternity.
🇬🇧 The UK has one of the longest maternity leaves on paper 39 weeks at full pay but fewer leave days overall.
🇦🇺 Australia stands out for wages, but falls short on paid maternity time.
Also check: The 10 Most Livable Cities in the World (2025)
2025 Life-Work Balance Table
Top 10 Countries for Work-Life Balance (1–10)
| Country | Index Score | Leave (Days) | Maternity Leave | Min Wage (USD) | Healthcare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 86.9 | 32 | 26 weeks, 100% pay | 16.42 | Universal |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 81.2 | 30 | 26 weeks, 70% pay | 13.96 | Universal |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 75.9 | 30 | 15 weeks, 75% pay | 14.58 | Public-Private |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 74.7 | 30 | 14 weeks, 100% pay | 15.16 | Public-Private |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 74.2 | 35 | 49 weeks, 100% pay | 0 | Universal |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | 73.8 | 35 | 18 weeks, 100% pay | 0 | Universal |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 73.5 | 17 | 18 weeks, 55% pay | 11.60 | Universal |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 72.1 | 30 | 12 weeks, min wage | 18.12 | Public-Private |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 71.9 | 36 | 16 weeks, 100% pay | 8.39 | Universal |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | 70.9 | 36 | 15 weeks, 80% pay | 0 | Universal |
Top 10 Countries for Work-Life Balance (11–20)
| Country | Index Score | Leave (Days) | Maternity Leave | Min Wage (USD) | Healthcare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | 69.7 | 28 | 39 weeks, 100% pay | 15.67 | Universal |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 69.0 | 28 | 16 weeks, 100% pay | 11.98 | Private |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 68.7 | 31 | 6 weeks, 100% pay | 5.60 | Universal |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | 68.4 | 29 | 12.6 weeks, 100% pay | 14.89 | Public-Private |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 68.0 | 38 | 16 weeks, 100% pay | – | Public-Private |
| 🇫🇷 France | 67.6 | 36 | 16 weeks, 100% pay | 14.05 | Public |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | 65.3 | 33 | 20 weeks, 100% pay | 6.97 | Public |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | 63.4 | 33 | 24 weeks, 100% pay | 4.42 | Public |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Rep. | 63.1 | 33 | 28 weeks, 70% pay | 4.79 | Public |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | 62.9 | 34 | 14 weeks, 75% pay | – | Universal |
