Canada has been found to be one of the best countries for work-life balance, placing seventh out of 60 countries analyzed.
It was the only nation across the Americas to crack the top 10 list, with all but one higher-ranking country located in Europe.
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These findings were published by global HR solutions provider Remote in their third annual index report titled “Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025.”
| Rank | Country | Overall score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 86.87 |
| 2 | Ireland | 81.17 |
| 3 | Belgium | 75.91 |
| 4 | Germany | 74.65 |
| 5 | Norway | 74.2 |
| 6 | Denmark | 73.76 |
| 7 | Canada | 73.46 |
| 8 | Australia | 72.1 |
| 9 | Spain | 71.94 |
| 10 | Finland | 70.86 |
Ranking seventh globally, Canada achieved an overall work-life balance score of 73.46 out of a possible 100.
Canada’s closest neighbour, the United States, ranked 59th, with an overall work-life balance score of 31.17.
A total of 10 indicators were used to come to this conclusion, including average hours worked per week, safety, and statutory annual leave.
In 2024, Canada was identified as the top country people are considering moving to for work—and Remote’s findings illustrate how and why work-life balance may be a significant driver of foreign nationals making this choice.
“Canadian workplaces tend to value punctuality and dependability, but employees typically maintain a healthy separation between work and family life,” the report states.
For comparative purposes, the table below will show how Canada compared to several of the top 10 countries in a select few indicators. The full list of indicators included in this report can be found further down.
| Country | Happiness index | Safety | Statutory annual leave | Paid maternity leave (weeks and payment rate) | Average hours worked per week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 6.8 | 1.45 | 17 days | *18 weeks, 55% | 35.2 |
| Australia | 6.97 | 1.54 | 30 days | 12 weeks, national minimum wage** | 32.29 |
| Norway | 7.26 | 1.64 | 35 days | 49 weeks, 100% | 32.6 |
| Spain | 6.47 | 1.6 | 36 days | 16 weeks, 100% | 36.3 |
| Germany | 6.75 | 1.54 | 30 days | 14 weeks, 100% | 33.2 |
*According to the Government of Canada’s website, eligible workers can take up to 55 weeks as per the Government of Canada: 15 weeks maternity + 40 weeks parental.
**Australia’s national minimum wage is currently: AUD $24.10.
In 2024, Canada ranked fifth in Remote’s annual work-life balance report. It’s two-slot drop this year comes as a result of other countries improving. Notably, it received a higher overall score this year compared to last year (72.75/100).
Methodology
Remote reviewed 10 indicators to conduct their index data analysis of the world’s top 60 GDP countries to ascertain which ones offer the best work-life balance. The metrics were index-weighted to calculate overall scores out of 100.
The following indicators were reviewed:
- Statutory annual leave – total days of paid leave, public holiday’s included*;
- Minimum statutory sick pay – percentage of wage, or a flat amount*;
- Statutory maternity leave – weeks paid*;
- Statutory maternity leave payment rate – percentage of wage*;
- Minimum wage – presented in USD, per hour*;
- Healthcare status
- Happiness index score – on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest;
- Average hours worked per week per employed person;
- LGBTQ+ inclusivity – on a scale of 0-100, with 100 being the highest; and
- Safety: Global Peace Index – on a scale of 1 to 4, with lower being better.
*When a range was offered, Remote listed the minimum amount.
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