Global Work-Life Balance Index Released: New Zealand Wins for the Third Consecutive Year, How Does Hong Kong Rank?
In today’s fast-paced society, achieving an ideal "work-life balance" has become the primary pursuit for employees worldwide. However, many still find themselves trapped in a relentless work cycle, struggling to catch their breath. The global HR platform "Remote.com" recently released the 2025 "Global Work-Life Balance Index," evaluating 60 major countries and regions worldwide. The results show that New Zealand has topped the list for the third year in a row, while Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China rank relatively low.
Evaluation Criteria and Global Top Ten
Remote.com’s index assesses workplace environments through multiple key indicators, including: statutory minimum wage, average weekly working hours, statutory annual leave days, minimum statutory sick pay, maternity leave policies, healthcare systems, public happiness, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and public safety (Global Peace Index). Countries that score higher are better at enabling their workforce to achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life; conversely, lower scores may indicate excessive work and a negative impact on quality of life.
Top Ten Countries in the 2025 Global Work-Life Balance Index:
1. New Zealand (86.87 points)
2. Ireland (81.17 points)
3. Belgium (75.91 points)
4. Germany (74.65 points)
5. Norway (74.20 points)
6. Denmark (73.76 points)
7. Canada (73.46 points)
8. Australia (72.10 points)
9. Spain (71.94 points)
10. Finland (70.86 points)
The report indicates that New Zealand secured the top position for the third consecutive year due to its consistently high scores in statutory leave, public happiness, safety, and minimum wage. Notably, its overall score increased compared to last year, thanks to an elevation in minimum wage. European countries performed impressively, occupying seven spots in the top ten, showcasing their leading position in protecting labor rights and quality of life.
Performance in Asia and the Greater China Region
In Asia, countries generally ranked lower than their European counterparts, with no Asian economies making it into the top twenty. The highest-ranked Asian country is Singapore, at 25th; followed by Malaysia (27th), Japan (29th), and Taiwan (30th).
In the Greater China region, Taiwan ranks 30th, Hong Kong is at 44th, and Beijing, representing Mainland China, is in 52nd place, indicating that workers in these regions still face significant challenges in achieving work-life balance.
Hospitality and Restaurant Industry: Improving Work-Life Balance as a Key to Retention
For labor-intensive and high-pressure sectors like hospitality and restaurants, employees' "work-life balance" is not only a personal well-being issue but also directly tied to the survival and success of businesses. The industry commonly faces challenges such as long hours, irregular scheduling, and high turnover rates, making it essential to create an environment that supports employees in balancing work and personal life.
For employers, actively improving employees' work-life balance can yield several significant benefits:
Reducing turnover rates and hiring costs: Offering flexible hours, reasonable leave policies, and competitive pay and benefits can significantly boost employee satisfaction and loyalty, thereby lowering the high costs associated with frequent turnover. Studies indicate that up to 85% of companies implementing work-life balance programs report increased productivity.
Enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction: Healthy employees are more likely to maintain a positive work attitude and high energy levels. In the service industry, happy employees often provide better and more genuine customer service, directly improving consumer experience and brand loyalty.
Boosting productivity and team morale: When employees feel their personal lives are respected and supported, their motivation and engagement naturally increase. Providing adequate rest and a supportive work culture can effectively prevent burnout and maintain overall team productivity.
Shaping an excellent employer brand: In today's competitive job market, a company that values employee well-being is more likely to attract top talent. Making "work-life balance" a core aspect of corporate culture helps establish a positive employer image, making it a preferred choice for job seekers.
Managers in the hospitality and restaurant sectors should view improving employee work-life balance as a strategic investment rather than just a cost. By implementing flexible scheduling, offering skill training, building a supportive culture, and using technology to streamline repetitive tasks, businesses can not only retain top talent but also drive long-term success.
Other Key Findings
Countries with the shortest working hours*: The Netherlands has the shortest average working hours globally at 30.5 hours per week.
U.S. ranks last*: In stark contrast to neighboring Canada (7th), the U.S. ranks 59th out of 60 countries, only ahead of Nigeria. The report notes that the lack of a national statutory leave policy, paid maternity leave, and universal healthcare is a major reason for its low ranking.
