New Zealand Tops Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025; Where Does India Stand? Full List Here!

Maintaining work-life balance in 2025 is more important than ever. It not only makes us feel fulfilled but is also crucial to maintaining a balance between our personal and professional lives. The Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 is now out. For the third time in a row, New Zealand has topped the list for its work-friendly culture and generous leave policies. Let’s see which other countries have made it to the list of this year. 

Inside Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025

Remote is back yet again with its list of the best countries with life-work balance. After launching their first leading global study in 2023, they have continued to publish annual reports that highlight the importance of life-work balance among professionals across the globe. These reports put a spotlight on nations that have been doing well in helping their workforce strike a balance between personal and professional life.

For the third year in a row, New Zealand has once again claimed the top spot for the best work-life balance globally. It scored a total of 86.87 out of 100. However, New Zealand is clearly doing something better to retain the top position for three consecutive years. It’s a country that puts focus on employee well-being through generous leave policies, high minimum wages, and a positive workplace culture. Ireland followed with a score of 85.08, thanks to its work-friendly laws.

Belgium and Germany also ranked high, scoring 84.52 and 83.50, respectively, driven by their strict labour regulations. Canada also made the list with a score of 81.15, reflecting its focus on flexible work hours and overall quality of life. 

Also Read: 10 Income Tax-Free Countries That Most NRIs Consider Moving To

Top Countries With The Best Life-Work Balance

The annual report by Remote also takes into account other factors, such as statutory annual leave, access to healthcare, public safety, and the average number of hours worked per week. The scores are given out of 100. We should also tell you that Remote, which annually publishes these reports, has actually rephrased work-life balance to life-work balance. According to them, life comes first, and work should exist to support it, not overshadow it. 

Here is the full list with their scores out of 100:

1. New Zealand- 86.87
2. Ireland- 81.17
3. Belgium- 75.91
4. Germany- 74.65
5. Norway- 74.20
6. Denmark- 73.76
7. Canada- 73.46
8. Australia- 72.10
9. Spain- 71.94
10. Finland- 70.86
11. United Kingdom- 69.68
12. Netherlands- 68.97
13. Portugal- 68.65
14. Argentina- 68.35
15. Austria- 68.01
16. France- 67.62
17. Poland- 65.33
18. Hungary- 63.38
19. Czech Republic- 63.06
20. Sweden- 62.92

India’s Ranking On The Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025

Unfortunately, India or any other country from Asia hasn’t made it to the top 20, pointing to the fact that we still have a long way to go in this area. Though India didn’t make it to the list of top 20 nations, it was ranked 42nd with a score of 45.81 out of 100. Furthermore, it’s not surprising that most countries on the 2025 list are European, as they’re known for giving importance to overall work-life balance. 

Also Read: It’s Very Important To Have A Secure Partner For Work-Life Balance; Believes Malaika Arora

This report is eye-opening. It puts an important fact in focus, that most Asian countries still have a long way to go in achieving a good work-life balance. Tell us, what do you think of this list? 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ nadine_simoner