Top 10 best countries with high work-life balance in 2025

Nowadays, people seeking job opportunities are keen to analyse various work-life metrics before accepting a job offer. Companies that do not prioritise flexible work schedules and mental health initiatives are less attractive to employees. Something to note is that some countries offer better work-life balance than others. This is due to cultural influence and local labour laws & regulations.

Work-life balance has become very important in today’s workplace because there has been a steady shift in how companies measure workplace productivity. Instead of focusing on the hours spent in the office, productivity is now measured based on output.

When comparing the work-life balance ranking by country, there are many factors to keep in mind. A common tool used is the OECD Better Life Index, which measures things like working hours and time designed for personal activities.

• Average working hours per week: Looks at the number of hours individuals work weekly. Longer hours mean increased stress.
• Paid leave policies: Examines the availability/ duration of paid vacation and parental leave.
• Job security and employee satisfaction: It evaluates the overall contentment in the workplace.​
• Work flexibility: Considers options like remote work and compressed workweeks.
• Quality of life factors: Looks into factors like healthcare accessibility and income equality.

Here is a list of the best countries in terms of work-life balance. These work-friendly nations rank high on the OECD Better Life Index. They include:

10. Canada – Strong work flexibility & parental leave policies

The average workweek in Canada is approximately 35.8 hours. Employees enjoy at least two weeks of paid vacation, and new mothers receive up to 15 weeks of maternity leave at 55% of their earnings. Culturally, Canadians value outdoor activities and family time. For expatriates, Canada offers a welcoming environment with a high quality of life. However, living costs can be higher in major cities.​

Read more: What does a flexible office look like?

9. New Zealand – Work-life balance for digital nomads & expats

New Zealand has a high minimum wage and 32 days of statutory annual leave. You will love it here if you are in for flexible working. Recent visa reforms allow employees to work remotely for foreign employers while visiting for up to 9 months.   

8. Germany – Work efficiency with strong worker protections

This is one of the Schengen countries that excels in employee well-being by country. It offers an average workweek of 34 hours and a minimum of 24 paid vacation days. Strict labour laws limit overtime and promote a culture that values efficiency over long hours. This environment is ideal for corporate professionals and tech industry workers.​

7. Switzerland – High salaries & a balanced work culture

Switzerland has an average salary of USD 64,824, higher than the OECD average of USD 49,165. The workweek is approximately 35.8 hours (average), and the culture emphasises personal well-being & leisure. This makes it one of the best workplaces for professionals, especially those in the finance & business sectors.

6. Norway – Short workweeks with high quality of life

This European nation emphasises work-life balance through the 37.5-hour workweek and 25 paid vacation days. It also has a concept of “friluftsliv,” which promotes outdoor living and a deep connection with nature.  

5. Netherlands – Part-time work & flexible schedules

The Netherlands is one of the countries with the shortest working hours. Here, the average workweek is approximately 29 hours. This approach promotes part-time work without career setbacks.

4. Finland – Leading in employee happiness & work flexibility

This is one of the best expat countries for work-life balance, thanks to its strong emphasis on education and community. The country offers comprehensive mental health support, with policies that allow employees to take sick leave for mental health reasons. 

3. Iceland – Pioneering the four-day workweek

Iceland offers a standard workweek of 35/36 hours without a pay cut. 86% of Iceland’s workforce now have shorter hours or the right to request them. This progressive approach has elevated Iceland’s position in the work-life balance index by country.

2. Sweden – Work-life balance through “lagom” culture

In Sweden, the culture of “lagom” promotes moderation and work efficiency. Major policies include 480-day paid parental leave, with 390 days compensated at around 80% of the parent’s wage. There is also the “fika” tradition that encourages regular work breaks for coffee & socialising.   

1. Denmark – The global leader in work-life balance

Denmark offers one of the best workforces for professionals. Only 1% of employees work very long hours. This is lower than the OECD average of 10%. Combined with high job satisfaction, Denmark is ideal for most professionals.​  

In 2025, the United Kingdom’s work-life balance landscape presents notable insights:​

• 31% of UK employees feel they do not have a good work-life balance.  
• UK employees work the longest hours in Europe, an average of 42 hours per week. ​
• 88% of UK employees say that they have experienced burnout in the last two years.  
• For the quality of life rankings for 2025, the UK holds a score of 174.45 and ranks in the 24th spot.

See more: Best areas to work in London 2025

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