Why New Zealand Is #1 for Work-Life Balance in 2025
New Zealand ranks #1 globally for work-life balance in 2025. Here is why more people are moving for a better lifestyle.
2. Ireland, Dublin — strong worker protections and high quality of life
Ireland ranks #2 globally in the 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index, with Dublin listed as the capital city in the ranking. Ireland scored 81.17 out of 100, making it one of the strongest performers in the world for work-life balance.
Ireland performs well because of its combination of statutory annual leave, paid sick leave, maternity leave, universal healthcare, and relatively moderate average weekly working hours.
| Key factor | Ireland snapshot |
|---|---|
| Global rank | #2 |
| Capital city listed | Dublin |
| Index score | 81.17 / 100 |
| Population | 5,308,040 |
| Statutory annual leave | 20 days plus 10 public holidays |
| Minimum statutory sick pay | 70–100% |
| Paid maternity leave | 26 weeks at 70% |
| Minimum wage | €13.50 per hour |
| Healthcare system | Universal government-funded health system |
| Happiness index | 6.89 / 10 |
| Average weekly hours | 34.30 hours |
| LGBTQ+ inclusivity | 72 / 100 |
| Safety score | 1.12 Global Peace Index ranking score |
Ireland is especially attractive for people who want a strong English-speaking job market, access to Europe, and a lifestyle that balances career opportunity with personal time.
1. New Zealand, Wellington — the world’s best work-life balance
New Zealand takes the top spot in the 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index, with Wellington listed as the capital city in the ranking. New Zealand scored 86.59 out of 100, placing it ahead of Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Australia, Finland, and Spain.
The result reflects New Zealand’s strong mix of annual leave, sick pay, paid parental leave, healthcare access, safety, and relatively low average weekly working hours.
| Key factor | New Zealand snapshot |
|---|---|
| Global rank | #1 |
| Capital city listed | Wellington |
| Index score | 86.59 / 100 |
| Population | 5,251,900 |
| Statutory annual leave | 20 days plus 11 public holidays |
| Minimum statutory sick pay | 80–100% |
| Paid maternity leave | 26 weeks at 100% |
| Minimum wage | $23.50 local currency per hour |
| Healthcare system | Universal government-funded health system |
| Happiness index | 6.95 / 10 |
| Average weekly hours | 33.00 hours |
| LGBTQ+ inclusivity | 75 / 100 |
| Safety score | 1.32 Global Peace Index ranking score |
For anyone considering an international move, New Zealand stands out because it combines strong employment protections with a lifestyle built around health, family, nature, and time outside work.