In 2025, work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a lifeline. With tech burnout, economic pressure and blurred lines between work and home, the question isn’t if we need balance—it’s where we can actually get it.
Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index, launched in 2023 and updated annually, ranks countries based on how well they support both personal well-being and professional fulfillment. The 2025 edition highlights the growing global divide in how nations treat their workers, and the U.S. isn’t looking great.
New Zealand tops the list this year, scoring big on paid time off, public happiness, personal safety and a near-top-tier minimum wage. Most of the top ten is dominated by European nations that clearly value downtime as much as uptime. Canada stands alone as the only country in the Americas to rank in the top ten.
So how did the U.S. fare? Unfortunately, it ranked second to last at number 59 out of 60 countries. Only Nigeria scored lower.
America’s overall score is a dismal 31.17. While it gets some credit on the happiness index (probably thanks to its cultural resilience and strong community networks), that’s where the good news ends. The U.S. scored painfully low on key factors like minimum wage, sick leave, paid maternity leave and healthcare access—all essential ingredients for a healthy work-life balance.
The message is loud and clear: long hours, limited support and high stress aren't signs of a thriving workforce. They’re signs of burnout. Whether you love the hustle or live for your weekends, balance isn’t optional—it’s necessary. If the U.S. wants to climb the ranks, it’ll need more than just good vibes. It’ll need structural change.
Ten best countries for work-life balance
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Belgium
- Germany
- Norway
- Denmark
- Canada
- Australia
- Spain
- Finland