Report cites consistent scores across annual leave, public happiness, minimum wage
New Zealand has emerged as the top country for work-life balance for 2025, keeping its top spot for a third year in a row.
Remote's latest Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 placed the country in first place, with an index score of 86.87 out of 100.
"Why is New Zealand so life-work-balance friendly? Well, it helps to be surrounded by such diverse, breathtaking scenery," the report said.
The index also considered in its rankings the country's statutory pay, minimum wage, healthcare system, happiness index, average hours per week per employed person, LGBTQ+ inclusivity and safety ranking.
"While the country doesn't rank at #1 for every factor we assessed, it scores consistently well across the study — particularly in areas like statutory annual leave, public happiness, safety, and minimum wage," Remote's report said.
Neighbouring country Australia also made it to the top 10, placing eighth, with an index score of 72.10.
The report cited Australians' very laid-back nature and "no-worries" attitude to life.
"Their workplaces broadly reflect this, prioritising openness and egalitarianism," it said. "Perhaps unsurprisingly for a country with such a relaxed outlook (and year-round sunshine too), Australians tend to work short hours (32.39 per week) compared to most other countries."
The top 10 countries for work-life balance have European nations dominating. The full list includes:
- New Zealand (86.67 index score)
- Ireland (81.17)
- Belgium (75.91)
- Germany (74.65)
- Norway (74.20)
- Denmark (73.76)
- Canada (73.46)
- Australia (72.10)
- Spain (71.94)
- Finland (70.86)
Meanwhile, the United States has the second-worst work-life balance, according to the report. It placed 59th out of 60, with the report citing the decline in public safety and LGBTQ+ inclusivity scores as reasons for its drop.
Importance of work-life balance
The list comes as Remote stated that work-life balance is the top motivator for employees all over the world, with workplace flexibility outranking salary in importance.
The demand for work-life balance comes as boundaries have become blurred following the adoption of hybrid and remote work, with technology also making expectations for responsiveness increase.
"As our study shows, countries such as New Zealand and many in Europe are helping their employees navigate the balance between life and work with employee-first policies, but nations like the United States risk walking into a burnout epidemic with a culture that continues to prioritise long hours and limited paid leave," Remote said.
"Without decisive action, this approach will drain the talent pool and compromise the future resilience of the workforce."
