Breakdown: Top 10 best countries with highest work-life balance (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 more critical than ever as companies shift from valuing time spent in the office to assessing output. This change is underscored by data showing that, in OECD countries, the average full-time employee works only 37.1 hours per week, Notably, a major nationwide experiment cutting weekly hours to 35–36 hours led to significantly better well-being and productivity – and 86% of workers now enjoy these shorter hours permanently.

Such stats prove that working fewer hours can actually make people happier and more productive, benefiting long-term organisational performance.

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.

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

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. Finland – Leading in employee happiness & work flexibility

• Current workforce growth in 2025: 14,000 new employees are expected to join the Finnish workforce in 2025.
• Life-work balance index score: 70.86/100 (Source)
• Statutory annual leave: 38 days annually (24 paid vacation days and 14 public holidays)
• Minimum wage: Wages are determined through sector-specific collective agreements.
• Healthcare system: Public funded, organised by 21 Wellbeing Service Counties.

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.

9. Spain – Work-Life Balance & Generous Leave Policies

• Current workforce growth in 2025: Over 22 million employees, 66.5% employment rate of the 15-64 age group (lower than OECD by 3.8% point)
• Life-work balance index score: 71.94/100
• Statutory annual leave: Employees are entitled to a minimum of two weeks of paid vacation annually after one year of employment
• Minimum wage: £8.01 per hour.
• Healthcare system: Publicly funded.

Spain offers a healthy work-life balance, with a robust annual leave policy and high standards of living. The average workweek is approximately 34.8 hours, with many employees taking advantage of the generous time off to spend with family or pursue personal interests. Maternity leave in Spain is also generous, with new mothers entitled to 16 weeks of paid leave at 100% of their earnings.

Culturally, Spaniards maintain a relaxed attitude toward work, reflected in both the standard work hours and the value placed on family time and leisure. While the concept of a “siesta” may be outdated for most workers, the country still embraces a laid-back approach to daily life.

8. Australia – Work-life balance and high minimum wage

• Current workforce growth in 2025: Over 14.6 million employees, accounting over 82% of AU’s total working age population
• Life-work balance index score: 72.10/100 (Source)
• Statutory annual leave: 4 weeks of annual leave
• Minimum wage: £17.89 per hour
• Healthcare system: Publicly funded (Medicare) + Private sector

Australia consistently ranks high for its work-life balance, with the average workweek at 32.29 hours, among the shortest across developed nations. Employees enjoy 4 weeks of paid vacation annually, in addition to various public holidays. Maternity leave includes 18 weeks of paid leave at the national minimum wage, and there are other generous parental leave policies in place. For expatriates, Australia offers a high standard of living, especially in coastal cities, although living costs can be significant in major urban areas like Sydney and Melbourne.

7. Canada – Strong work flexibility & parental leave policies

• Current workforce growth in 2025: 23.5 million employees (accounting for 47.3% of the population)
• Life-work balance index score: 73.46/100
• Statutory annual leave: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 days of paid vacation annually.
• Minimum wage: £934 per month (Updated in January 2025)
• Healthcare system: Publicly funded

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?

6. Denmark – Work-life balance for digital nomads & expats

• Current workforce growth in 2025: 3.05 million employees, accounting for 85% of the working-age population.
• Life-work balance index score: 74./100
• Statutory annual leave: five weeks of paid holiday
• Minimum wage: Denmark does not have a government-mandated minimum wage.
• Healthcare system: Publicly funded

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.​

5. Norway – Short workweeks with high quality of life

• Current workforce growth in 2025: 2.92 million employees (accounting for 52.1% of total population)
• Index score: 74.20/100
• Statutory annual leave: 25 working days of paid leave per year.
• Minimum wage: Norway does not have a statutory minimum wage, but wages are set through sector-specific collective agreements.
• Healthcare system: publicly funded

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.

4. Germany – Work efficiency with strong worker protections

• Current workforce growth in 2025: 45.9 million persons resident were in employment (accounting for 78% of working age population)
• Index score: 74.65/100
• Statutory annual leave: 20 working days annual leave.
• Minimum wage: £11.09 per hour (3.3% increase from 2024 rate)
• Healthcare system: Publicly funded

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.​

3. Belgium – Strong worker protections

• Current workforce growth in 2025: 5.21 million employees (accounting for 69% of total working age population)
• Index score: 75.61/100
• Statutory annual leave: minimum of 20 days leave.
• Minimum wage: £11.09 per hour
• Healthcare system: Publicly funded

With a life-work balance index score of 75.91/100, Belgium emphasizes a healthy work-life dynamic where the average workweek is a manageable 34.1 hours, much shorter than in many other countries. Moreover, Belgium maintains a high happiness index of 6.91/10, demonstrating the satisfaction of its workforce with their personal and professional lives. The country also enjoys a high safety ranking, placing 1.51 on the Global Peace Index, which highlights its secure environment for both locals and expatriates.

2. Ireland – A balance between work and life

• Current workforce growth in 2025: 2.78 million employees (accounting for 77.2% of total working age population)
• Index score: 81.17
• Statutory annual leave: 26 weeks off at 70% of income payment rate.
• Minimum wage: £11.68 per hour
• Healthcare system: Publicly funded

With an impressive life-work balance index score of 81.17/100, the country offers employees a generous 20 working days of statutory annual leave, allowing ample opportunity to recharge or travel across the island’s scenic landscapes.

While the Irish work culture remains highly driven, the average workweek is shorter compared to many global counterparts, giving employees the flexibility to enjoy personal time without sacrificing career success.

1. New Zealand – The global leader in work-life balance

• Current workforce growth in 2025: 2.882 million employees (accounting for 67.2% of total working age population)
• Index score: 86.67
• Statutory annual leave: 4 weeks of paid annual leave (after completing 12 months of continuous employment)
• Minimum wage: £20.16 per hour
• Healthcare system:

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.

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 177.2 and ranks in the 22th spot (higher than 2024’s figure at 160.3 ).
• In Q1 2025, 200 UK companies signed up for permanent four-day working week, without any paying loss.

See more: Best areas to work in London 2025

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