With workforces around the world increasingly demanding balance in the time they give to work and personal life, countries that prioritise both personal well-being and meaningful employment are setting the standard for progressive leadership. Remote’s 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index places New Zealand firmly at the top, reaffirming its position as a global leader in holistic living, while Australia secures eighth place, underscoring its continued focus on employee welfare and quality of life.

Amid growing concerns over burnout and unsustainable workloads, Remote’s report highlights countries making tangible strides toward healthier work cultures. In its 2025 assessment of the world’s 60 highest-GDP nations, the index also recognises Ireland, Belgium, Norway, and several European countries for their strong performance in promoting sustainable, people-centred work environments. Let’s understand how New Zealand got the top ranking.  

New Zealand: A global beacon for balance

New Zealand has clinched the top spot in Remote’s Life-Work Balance Index for the third consecutive year, with an impressive overall score of 86.87. The country’s commitment to worker welfare, equitable pay, and public safety continues to resonate globally, drawing admiration and attention from professionals looking for a better quality of life.

Aotearoa, The Land of the Long White Cloud, has not only maintained its leadership in life-work harmony but has also improved its standing from 2024. A notable increase in the minimum wage has played a significant role in this positive shift. While it does not claim first place in every individual category assessed, New Zealand’s consistent performance across multiple areas such as statutory annual leave, public happiness, safety, and fair compensation cements its position as a model for other nations.

A culture of deep care and respect toward people and place is the foundation of how Kiwis achieve productivity without sacrificing well-being. As noted in the New Zealand government’s official employment guide, “Life is for living and employers generally respect that.” This philosophy is clearly reflected in the country’s policies and overall lifestyle.

Australia: Relaxed culture, solid ranking

Australia retains its eighth-place ranking for the second year running, with a respectable overall index score of 72.10. While it doesn’t quite match New Zealand’s across-the-board consistency, it excels in several crucial areas — particularly minimum wage, where it leads the global list.

Australian workers earn the highest minimum wage among the 60 top GDP nations studied, with a figure equivalent to $18.12 USD. Combined with a relatively low average workweek of 32.29 hours, it’s easy to see why the country remains a favourite place for professionals who prioritise lifestyle alongside career advancement.

The Australian approach to work is famously laid-back, encapsulated by a culture that prizes egalitarianism, openness, and a healthy disregard for excessive formality. With its sunny climate, outdoor lifestyle, and social policies centered on wellbeing, Australia offers a compelling balance between professional ambition and personal contentment.

How the rest of the world compares

While New Zealand and Australia continue to excel, several other nations are making noteworthy progress. Ireland retains second place with a score of 81.17, praised for its safety, generous maternity policies, and a work culture built on community. Belgium rounds out the top three at 75.91, combining short work weeks and strong social support systems with some of Europe’s highest minimum wages.

Germany rises to fourth place (74.65) on the back of improved sick pay and inclusivity, while Norway makes the biggest leap, moving from ninth to fifth (74.20) thanks to extended parental leave and shortened working hours. Denmark follows at sixth position (73.76), maintaining its reputation for high happiness and short hours, and Canada, the only country in the Americas to make the top ten, ranks seventh (73.46) with strong healthcare access and public safety.