New Zealand and Canada rank among the top 10 countries to work in 2025; India fails to even make it to top 40

In 2025, life-work balance goes far beyond just managing time. While countries like New Zealand and Canada lead the way in Remote's Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025, India failed to secure a spot among the top 40.

As per Remote's Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025, New Zealand has emerged as the top spot to work globally, with a high index score of 86.87. Workers enjoy 32 days of statutory annual leave, up to 100% wage coverage for sick days, and 26 weeks of paid maternity leave at full pay.

However, India was ranked significantly lower at 42nd position in global work environment assessments, with an index score of just 45.81, according the Remote's Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025. As per the index, employees are entitled to 35 days of statutory annual leave, but sick pay typically covers less than 60% of wages. Maternity leave extends to 12 weeks at full pay and the minimum wage remains low at $0.27 per hour, and healthcare is provided through a public insurance system.


Here are the top 10 countries ranked best for their workplace environments:

Rank	Country, Capital	Region	2025 Population	Index Score (/100)	Statutory Annual Leave (Days)	Sick Pay (% Wages)	Paid Maternity Leave (Weeks / % Pay)	Minimum Wage (USD/hr)	Healthcare System	Happiness Index	Avg. Work Hours/Week	LGBTQ+ Inclusivity	Safety Score
1	New Zealand, Wellington	Oceania	5,251,900	86.87	32	80–100%	26 / 100%	16.42	Universal government-funded	6.95	33.00	75	1.32
2	Ireland, Dublin	Europe	5,308,040	81.17	30	70–100%	26 / 70%	13.96	Universal government-funded	6.89	34.30	72	1.12
3	Belgium, Brussels	Europe	11,758,600	75.91	30	80–100%	15 / 75%	14.58	Public insurance system	6.91	34.10	74	1.51
4	Germany, Berlin	Europe	84,075,100	74.65	30	80–100%	14 / 100%	15.16	Public-private social insurance	6.75	33.20	81	1.54
5	Norway, Oslo	Europe	5,623,070	74.20	35	80–100%	49 / 100%	0.00	Universal government-funded	7.26	32.60	87	1.64
6	Denmark, Copenhagen	Europe	6,002,510	73.76	35	80–100%	18 / 100%	0.00	Universal government-funded	7.52	32.50	80	1.38
7	Canada, Ottawa	Americas	40,126,700	73.46	17	80–100%	18 / 55%	11.60	Universal government-funded	6.80	35.20	78	1.45
8	Australia, Canberra	Oceania	26,974,000	72.10	30	80–100%	12 / National Min. Wage	18.12	Public-private insurance	6.97	32.29	75	1.54
9	Spain, Madrid	Europe	47,890,000	71.94	36	<60%	16 / 100%	8.39	Universal government-funded	6.47	36.30	83	1.60
10	Finland, Helsinki	Europe	5,623,330	70.86	36	80–100%	15 / 80%	0.00	Universal government-funded	7.74	33.80	74	1.47