A recent global ranking has placed Canada among the top 10 countries for work-life balance, while the United States ranked near the bottom of the list. According to Remote’s 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index, Canada secured the 7th spot, maintaining a strong position despite a slight drop from last year’s 5th place ranking.
The index evaluates 60 countries based on factors such as paid time off, healthcare, public safety, and overall happiness. Canada performed well across most categories, particularly in public safety, inclusivity, and access to universal healthcare. However, its score was slightly affected by policies related to time off and paid maternity leave.
In contrast, the United States ranked 59th, nearly last in the study. Remote’s report points to issues such as declining safety scores and challenges related to LGBTQ+ rights as contributing factors to the U.S.’s low ranking. Additionally, the U.S. is the only country on the list without guaranteed vacation days or national paid maternity leave, which further impacted its overall score. Americans also work some of the longest hours compared to other developed nations.
The study’s methodology considered 10 key factors, and New Zealand emerged as the top performer for the third consecutive year, with a score of 86.87. Ireland, Belgium, and Germany rounded out the top five. Canada, with a score of 73.46, was the highest-ranking country in the Americas, while the U.S. scored just 31.17, barely edging out Nigeria.
For those seeking a better work-life balance, the top 10 countries for 2025 are as follows: New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Australia, Spain, and Finland. Despite slipping slightly, Canada remains a strong contender, and its ranking is a notable contrast to its southern neighbor.
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