By Admin, #OasisVisas 
A newly released Global Life-Work Balance Index for 2025 has once again crowned New Zealand as the world leader in balancing work and life. Scoring 86.87 out of 100, New Zealand retains its #1 position for the third year running.
The country’s consistently high performance outpacing runner-up Ireland by approximately 5.7 points highlights its robust support for employee well-being across multiple measures.
Key contributors to New Zealand’s top ranking include:
- 32 days of statutory annual leave
- 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave
- A competitive minimum wage of around USD 16.42/hour
- Universal healthcare, strong public safety, high national happiness levels, and favorable average work hours
Additionally, most of the top-ranking countries are European, emphasizing the continent’s broader strength in social protection and worker well-being.
Top 10 Countries in the 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index
| Rank | Country | Index Score | Highlights & Key Metrics |
| 1 | New Zealand | 86.87 | 32 days leave, 26 weeks maternity (100%), USD 16.42/hr wage, universal healthcare, public safety, happiness |
| 2 | Ireland | 81.17 | 30 days leave, 26 weeks maternity (70%), universal healthcare |
| 3 | Belgium | 75.91 | 30 days leave, 15 weeks maternity (75%), balanced benefits |
| 4 | Germany | 74.65 | 30 days leave, 14 weeks maternity (100%), social insurance |
| 5 | Norway | 74.20 | 35 days leave, 49 weeks maternity (100%), high happiness |
| 6 | Denmark | 73.76 | 35 days leave, 18 weeks maternity (100%), high quality of life |
| 7 | Canada | 73.46 | 17 days leave, 18 weeks maternity (~55%), universal healthcare |
| 8 | Australia | 72.10 | 30 days leave, 12 weeks maternity, highest minimum wage (~USD 18.12/hr) |
| 9 | Spain | 71.94 | 36 days leave, 16 weeks maternity (100%), universal healthcare |
| 10 | Finland | 70.86 | 36 days leave, 15 weeks maternity (80%), universal healthcare |
Why It Matters
The Global Life-Work Balance Index underscores that a strong work-life equilibrium is deeply rooted in social policy, worker protections, and national well-being. Nations at the top of the list combine legislative support like paid leave and fair wages with cultural values that prioritize quality of life.
Countries like Norway and Denmark reinforce this through generous parental leave and universal healthcare, while New Zealand leads by blending scenic living, safety, financial fairness, and happiness into one package.