Marco Crisciotti New Zealand tops the Global Work-Life Balance Index 2025, with Europe and Scandinavia close behind. The U.S. continues its decline, ranking 59th out of 60.
In a world spinning ever faster, the search for a genuine work-life balance has evolved from luxury to necessity. And for the third consecutive year, New Zealand stands at the top of the world in this pursuit.
That’s the verdict of the newly released Global Work-Life Balance Index 2025, an annual report by Remote, a platform specializing in human capital analysis. This year, New Zealand scored 86.87 out of 100, a six-point improvement from 2024, confirming its reputation as the global frontrunner in balancing work and life.
Why New Zealand keeps winning
The recipe behind New Zealand’s success is no mystery. It blends progressive public policies with a cultural attitude that truly values personal time. Workers there enjoy 32 paid vacation days per year, 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, and benefit from a universal healthcare system that covers all citizens, regardless of income or employment.
Such policies are not just compassionate—they’re strategic. They reduce burnout, increase productivity, and help build a society where people actually want to stay and thrive.
Europe punches above its weight
Europe continues to show that strong welfare policies are deeply embedded in its DNA. Ireland comes in second place with a score of 81.17, offering 30 paid vacation days and 26 weeks of maternity leave paid at 70% of salary.
Belgium rounds out the podium at 75.91, thanks to a hybrid public-private system that guarantees 30 vacation days and 15 weeks of maternity leave at 75% pay. These aren’t perks—they’re a baseline for human dignity in the workplace.
The nordics set the gold standard
No surprises here: Scandinavia excels yet again. Norway astounds with 49 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, while Denmark and Finland offer 35 and 36 vacation days, respectively. These countries don’t see investing in worker wellbeing as a cost. They see it as a return.
As the Norwegian Labor Minister once put it, “If you want loyalty, give people a life worth being loyal to.”
Germany and Canada: efficiency with empathy
Germany, often viewed as the heart of European productivity, ranks fourth with 74.73 points, combining 30 vacation days and 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. Canada lands in seventh place—not bad for North America—thanks to 17 vacation days and 18 weeks of maternity leave paid at 55%. It’s not stellar, but it’s respectable, especially compared to its southern neighbor.
Australia and Spain: not just sun and sangria
Australia, in eighth place, boasts one of the world’s highest minimum wages at $18.12/hour (about €16.80) and 30 paid vacation days. Spain, a surprise to some, ranks ninth, offering 36 vacation days and 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave—a sign that Mediterranean lifestyle might actually be good policy.
the full global ranking
Here’s the full list of top (and bottom) performers:
- New Zealand (Wellington)
- Ireland (Dublin)
- Belgium (Brussels)
- Germany (Berlin)
- Norway (Oslo)
- Denmark (Copenhagen)
- Canada (Ottawa)
- Australia (Canberra)
- Spain (Madrid)
- Finland (Helsinki)
- United States (Washington D.C.)
- Nigeria (Abuja)
Yes, you read that right. The U.S. ranks 59 out of 60 countries, only slightly ahead of Nigeria.
the U.S. paradox: productivity without protection
It’s no secret that the United States remains one of the richest, most powerful nations in the world. But when it comes to work-life balance, the data paints a very different picture.
The U.S. continues to offer zero guaranteed paid vacation days and no federally mandated paid maternity leave. Public safety and LGBTQ+ inclusivity scores are also low compared to peer nations, contributing to its sharp drop from 55th to 59th in just one year.
This isn’t about “European socialism” vs. “American freedom.” It’s about recognizing that burnout isn’t a badge of honor. And with growing concerns about worker mental health and rising resignation rates, the U.S. is at risk of being left behind in the global race for talent.
Methodology: how the index was built
Remote evaluated 60 countries using 10 key indicators, including:
- Paid vacation days (including public holidays)
- Sick leave coverage (percentage of wage paid)
- Paid maternity leave (weeks and percentage)
- Minimum wage (converted to USD)
- Healthcare system (access and quality)
- Happiness index (1–10 scale)
- Average working hours per week
- LGBTQ+ inclusivity (0–100 scale)
- Public safety, based on the Global Peace Index
Shifting trends in 2025
Argentina made the biggest leap this year, jumping six positions to land in 14th place, while the UK gained four points overall. But the real headline is the continued slide of the United States.
Meanwhile, the trend is crystal clear: countries that invest in generous welfare policies, universal healthcare, and social security create more productive, more content societies. It’s not just about wellbeing—it’s about strategic advantage.
As always, GreenMe reminds us that a more sustainable planet requires more equitable societies, where people—not just profits—are the center of public policy.
