A new measure of the Global Life-Work Balance Index found New Zealand was crowned the best country for life-work balance for the third year in a row, improving from its score in 2024, thanks in part to a slight jump in minimum wage. 

Global HR platform Remote studied the 60 countries with the largest economies in the world to measure which ones allowed workers to “live and work well.” The index measured factors ranging from paid leave, sick pay, maternity policies, minimum wage, healthcare, happiness, working hours, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and overall safety. Each country was ranked out of 100. 

New Zealand is performing well across each category, with a score of 86.87. Workers there could enjoy 32 days of paid leave, six months of fully paid maternity leave, and one of the world’s highest minimum wages at $16.42 an hour. Compared to the U.S., the federal minimum wage averages $7.25 per hour and hasn’t been changed since 2009. 

“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 prioritize long hours and limited paid leave,” the study said. 

Following behind New Zealand were Ireland and Belgium. Ireland recorded an 81.17 rating, helped by its relatively high minimum wage and generous maternity leave policy. Belgium scored 75.91, bolstered by its sick pay and maternity-payment rate. Belgium also had one of the highest happiness rates in Europe, along with shorter work weeks (34.1 hours on average). 

Meanwhile, not only does the U.S. not rank in the top 20, it’s the second to last on the list of 60, due to its lack of paid parental leave and private healthcare system. 

“With public safety and LGBTQ+ inclusivity decreasing, the United States now has the second-worst life-work balance, according to the data. The U.S. falls to 59th out of 60, having placed 55th last year and 53rd in 2023,” the study said. 

When ranking the countries with the best and worst ratings, the study rejected the traditional term “work-life balance,” flipping the order to “life-work balance” to emphasize the priority should be living first and foremost. 

The top five countries with the best ‘life-work’ balance are as follows (scores below are out of 100):

• New Zealand, Wellington (86.87)
• Ireland, Dublin (81.17)
• Belgium Brussels (75.91)
• Germany, Berlin (74.65)
• Norway, Oslo (74.20)

And here are the five countries with the weakest ‘life-work’ balance:

• Nigeria, Abuja (26.67)
• United States, Washington, DC (31.17)
• Egypt, Cairo (35.77)
• Bangladesh, Dhaka (36.91)
• Ethiopia, Addis Ababa (37.61)

Americans yearn for more work-life balance 

Gen Zers have specifically gained a reputation for valuing work-life balance. A recent survey found work-life balance ranked as the top priority when considering full-time jobs, surpassing salary.

Despite recent graduates being in the spotlight for wanting more free time outside of work, millennials want a chance to not miss out on their lives, too. More than half of millennials would be willing to take a 20% pay cut for a lifestyle that prioritizes their quality of life, according to a survey from Ford.  77% of respondents also said they prioritize a balanced personal life over achievements or growth at work.

Americans are aware they’re stuck on the hamster wheel of hustle culture in the States. A broader expat survey found 70% of Americans believe the U.S. is the most lucrative country for work, but 68% feel that they are surviving more than thriving. For those who have considered moving abroad, Americans preferred English-speaking countries such as Canada and the UK as the most desirable. Following that were Australia, France, and Italy. New Zealand ranked number 10 on their list.