As the world continues to move at a rapid pace, the importance of striking a healthy balance between work and life is more crucial than ever.
This visual representation, sourced from Bruno Venditti at Visual Capitalist, ranks countries based on their dedication to supporting this equilibrium in 2025. The findings shed light on nations that prioritize the well-being of their citizens alongside productivity.
The data used in this visualization is sourced from Remote.com. It evaluates 20 countries based on various factors such as paid leave, maternity benefits, minimum wage, healthcare quality, safety measures, and overall happiness to generate a comprehensive life-work balance index.
New Zealand and Ireland Leading the Charge
New Zealand secures the top spot with an impressive index score of 86.9 out of 100, offering 32 days of annual leave and 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. Following closely behind is Ireland, with similarly generous benefits including universal healthcare and a substantial minimum wage. According to the OECD, nations with robust social safety nets often report higher levels of worker satisfaction and improved mental well-being.
| Country | Index Score / 100 | Annual Leave (Days) | Paid Maternity Leave | Minimum Wage (USD$) | Healthcare System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 86.9 | 32 | 26 weeks, 100% pay | 16.42 | Universal |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 81.2 | 30 | 26 weeks, 70% pay | 13.96 | Universal |
Embracing Extensive Time Off in Northern Europe
Countries in Northern Europe such as Norway, Denmark, and Finland excel in the rankings due to their generous paid leave policies and universal healthcare systems. Norway, in particular, stands out by offering up to 49 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. These nations consistently score well on happiness and life satisfaction metrics, driven by their emphasis on social equality and strong support structures.
Impact of Healthcare and Wages on Rankings
Nations with universal healthcare systems and higher minimum wages tend to perform better in the index. Countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK provide universal healthcare and competitive wages, although their approaches to maternity support may vary.
If you found today’s content engaging, explore Mapping Global Happiness By Country in 2025 on Voronoi, a new app from Visual Capitalist.
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