In an increasingly frenetic world, finding the right balance between private life and work has become an absolute priority. But what are the countries that best support this balance? The answer comes from the new Global Work-Life Balance Index 2025. Remotea platform specialized in issues related to human capital, has conducted a thorough analysis, and for the third consecutive year, New Zealand is confirmed as the country with the best life-work balance in the world, with a score of 86.87 out of 100. A result that marks an improvement of six points compared to the previous year, consolidating the leadership position of the Oceanic country.
The secret of the New Zealand success? A winning combination of progressive policies: 32 days of paid holidays per year, 26 weeks of completely paid maternity leave and a universal health system that guarantees security and well -being for all citizens.
Europe stands out with Ireland and Belgium
On the podium we find two European countries that demonstrate how the old continent is at the forefront in welfare policies. Ireland is positioned in second place with 81.17 points, offering 30 days of annual holidays and 26 weeks of 70%paid maternity leave.
Belgium completes the podium with 75.91 points, thanks to a mixed public-private system that guarantees 30 days of holidays and 15 weeks of maternity leave paid at 75%.
The Scandinavian countries: masters of balance
The Nordic countries confirm their reputation of excellence in social welfare. Norway amazes with 49 weeks of completely paid maternity leave, while Denmark and Finland offer 35 and 36 days of annual holidays respectively, showing that investing in the well -being of workers is possible and profitable.
Germany and Canada: Reference models
Germany is positioned in fourth place with 74.73 points, offering 30 days of vacation and 14 weeks of completely paid maternity leave. Canada (seventh place) represents an interesting model in the North American panorama, with 17 days of vacation and 18 weeks of maternity leave paid 55%.
Australia and Spain: balance between productivity and well -being
Australia (eighth place) stands out for a minimum wage among the highest in the world (18.12 dollars per hour) and 30 days of annual holidays. Spain (ninth place) offers a generous package of 36 days of vacation and 16 weeks of completely paid maternity leave.
And Italy?
Italy is in 22nd place in the ranking with a score of 60.52/100. The country offers 32 days of annual holidays and 21 weeks of 80%covered maternity leave. The health system is universal and financed by the government, with an index of happiness of 6.42. Italian workers work on average 36 hours a week, while the LGBTQ+ inclusiveness is evaluated at 67 points. As for security, Italy has a score of 1.69 in the ranking of the safest states. There is no national minimum wages (0.00).
The whole ranking
- New Zealand, Wellington
- Ireland, Dublin
- Belgium, Brussels
- Germany, Berlin
- Norway, Oslo
- Denmark, Copenhagen
- Canada, Ottawa
- Australia, Canberra
- Spain, Madrid
- Finland, Helsinki
- United Kingdom, London
- Netherlands, Amsterdam
- Portugal, Lisbon
- Argentina, Buenos Aires
- Austria, Vienna
- France, Paris
- Poland, Warsaw
- Hungary, Budapest
- Czech Republic, Prague
- Sweden, Stockholm
- Greece, Athens
- Italy, Rome
- Switzerland, Bern
- Chile, Santiago
- Singapore
- Romania, Bucharest
- Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
- Brazil, Brasilia
- Japan, Tokyo
- Taiwan, Taipei
- South Korea, Seoul
- Colombia, Bogotá
- South Africa, Pretoria
- Indonesia, Jakarta
- Saudi Arabia, Riad
- Israel, Jerusalem
- Ukraine, Kiev
- Peru, Lima
- Vietnam, Hanoi
- United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
- Thailand, Bangkok
- India, New Delhi
- Russia, Moscow
- Hong Kong, city of Victoria
- Philippines, Manila
- Kazakhstan, Nursultan
- Mexico, Mexico City
- Algeria, Algiers
- Iran, Tehran
- Türkiye, Ankara
- Morocco, Rabat
- China, Beijing
- Qatar, Doha
- Pakistan, Islamabad
- Iraq, Baghdad
- Ethiopia, Addis Abeba
- Bangladesh, Dhaka
- Egypt, Cairo
- United States, Washington DC
- Nigeria, Abuja
The methodology: 10 indicators to evaluate well -being
The Global Work-Life Balance Index of Remote analyzes 60 countries through 10 key indicators:
The trends of 2025
Argentina recorded the largest leap forward, climbing six positions up to fourteenth place, while the United Kingdom has gained four points. On the contrary, the United States slipped from 55th to 59th place on 60 countries analyzed, mainly due to lower scores in public safety and LGBTQ+inclusiveness.
The results of 2025 confirm a clear trend: the countries that invest in generous welfare policies, universal health systems and social security not only guarantee a better quality of life to their citizens, but also create happier and more productive societies.
Life-work balance is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in a world that evolves quickly. The countries that will adapt to this new reality will have a significant competitive advantage in attracting and retaining the best talents.
As always, Greenme reminds you that a more sustainable planet also passes through more right and balanced companies, where people’s well -being is at the center of public policies.
