Ireland places second in 2025's Global Life-Work Balance index
A new study shows that Ireland has the best work life balance in Europe, and the second best out of the top 60 GDP nations.
These are the findings of the Global Life-Work Balance 2025, the third annual index report published by global HR solutions provider Remote.
The index ranks countries based on several workplace factors like statutory annual leave, paid maternity leave, sick leave, healthcare, public safety, public happiness, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and average work hours per employee.
Ireland placed second in 2025's Global Life-Work Balance index, behind New Zealand which takes the top spot for a third year.
However Ireland has maintained its 2024 ranking s the most employee-friendly country in Europe and improved its score from last year.
The improvement is due to a strong performance across factors such as minimum wage and maternity leave.
Commenting on the new report, Barbara Matthews, Chief People Officer at Remote, described the Global Life-Work Balance study as more than just a comparative table.
"It's a reflection of our core belief that people perform at their best when they're trusted to live fully outside of work, not just within it," said Ms Matthews.
"We advocate for life-work balance because flexibility and wellbeing are more than just perks. Our mission is to build a future where global talent thrives not just professionally, but personally too."
The top five countries are New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium, Germany and Norway.
The United States dropped a further four places this year ranking 59th out of 60 with only Nigeria separating it from last place.
The continued drop in the US ranking is due to lower scores in public safety and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
The United Kingdom has bounced back somewhat, after dropping to 15th in 2024, it has increased its life-work balance score and now ranks just outside the top ten, with an improvement due to an increase in minimum wage combined with a reduction in average hours worked.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- RTÉ News
Ireland places second in 2025's Global Life-Work Balance index
A new study shows that Ireland has the best work life balance in Europe, and the second best out of the top 60 GDP nations. These are the findings of the Global Life-Work Balance 2025, the third annual index report published by global HR solutions provider Remote. The index ranks countries based on several workplace factors like statutory annual leave, paid maternity leave, sick leave, healthcare, public safety, public happiness, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and average work hours per employee. Ireland placed second in 2025's Global Life-Work Balance index, behind New Zealand which takes the top spot for a third year. However Ireland has maintained its 2024 ranking s the most employee-friendly country in Europe and improved its score from last year. The improvement is due to a strong performance across factors such as minimum wage and maternity leave. Commenting on the new report, Barbara Matthews, Chief People Officer at Remote, described the Global Life-Work Balance study as more than just a comparative table. "It's a reflection of our core belief that people perform at their best when they're trusted to live fully outside of work, not just within it," said Ms Matthews. "We advocate for life-work balance because flexibility and wellbeing are more than just perks. Our mission is to build a future where global talent thrives not just professionally, but personally too." The top five countries are New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium, Germany and Norway. The United States dropped a further four places this year ranking 59th out of 60 with only Nigeria separating it from last place. The continued drop in the US ranking is due to lower scores in public safety and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The United Kingdom has bounced back somewhat, after dropping to 15th in 2024, it has increased its life-work balance score and now ranks just outside the top ten, with an improvement due to an increase in minimum wage combined with a reduction in average hours worked.
Business Post
23-05-2025
- Business Post
Signs of life in retail tech shift
It has been a long time since 'IT' has meant simply computers, and nowhere is that clearer than in retail. While digital signage is not entirely new to the market, it is developing as a technology and changing how retailers sell. 'We're seeing a fusion of IT infrastructure and visual technology – retailers need both to deliver frictionless, omnichannel experiences,' said Paul Matthews, head of sales at Avitor Audio Visual and IT. Today, Avitor, through its channel partner network, delivers, for instance, TP-Link enterprise-grade wi-fi and network setups for reliable customer and in-store device connectivity and integrated systems that allow digital signage, EPOS, inventory, and customer analytics platforms to speak to each other. Technological development never stops, though. Most recently, Matthews said, there has been a move toward smart stores with connected sensors, smart displays, and edge-computing capability. Consequently, signage can target its message according to not only location or time of day, but even the person approaching it, noting their age group, their gender or even their mood. Naturally, this development is driven by not only the massive increase in processing power delivered by cloud computing, but also artificial intelligence (AI) technology such as machine vision. 'The cloud, and AI most recently, are crucial technologies, using a mix of sensors and cameras and POS (point of sale) information to deliver the right message at the right time – and to the right person. Also, with the creation of the content you want to publish, AI has played a big role in that,' Matthews said. Avitor, which distributes technology from global leaders including NowSignage, Allsee, Newline, LED Studio, TP-Link, and Yealink to 190 partners not only in Ireland, but also Britain, has seen first-hand how retailers are embracing these new capabilities. The company recently opened its state-of-the-art showrooms in Swords, County Dublin, where retail partners can experience these advanced signage solutions in person, showcasing the full range of interactive displays and integrated systems and allowing potential clients to see exactly how the technology could transform their own retail spaces. Insights from the field Irish retailers are approaching digital transformation with a characteristic blend of pragmatism and innovation, according to Matthews. 'What we're consistently hearing from our Irish partners isn't about wanting technology for its own sake. They want reliable systems that deliver real ROI (return on investment), not just flashy tech,' he said. Working with Irish brands across various retail sectors, several clear patterns have emerged, Matthews said. Firstly, a strong demand for cost-effective, managed signage solutions that don't require specialist in-house expertise to maintain. Secondly, there is the growing interest in analytics-driven signage that can measure customer engagement metrics such as dwell time, demographic information, and interaction rates. 'Retailers are particularly savvy about wanting data that helps them optimise both their digital content and their physical store layouts,' said Matthews. This insight-driven approach has helped Avitor's channel partners deliver solutions that genuinely address retailers' needs rather than simply following global technology trends. 'What works for a shopping centre in London or New York might need significant adaptation for the Irish market, and what works in one location or sector may also differ,' Matthews said. 'Our partners excel at making those translations.' It goes almost without saying that the shift in market needs has been met by a democratising of the technology. 'Digital signage used to be only for big products, say something like a car, now it is used to sell products for a few euro,' said Matthews. Avitor's channel partners can create payment plans to finance the technology, with no minimum order. What this means in practical terms is that bricks-and-mortar shops can not only make more of the experience that online shopping can never deliver, but it can also enjoy some of the technological advantages that were once only available in e-commerce. 'It could be one screen or a hundred, an independent food outlet of a huge chain, and for many retailers, part of what this is about is upgrading the store, with the updating of signage as part of that. It's absolutely not specific only to high-end retail,' he said. Crucially, this technological advancement has coincided with greater ease of use and familiarity with content creation tools. 'Ease-of-use has improved, and in addition people are used to the technology. Young people are used to creating content; really everyone is a content creator.' Ultimately, the value proposition is simple, Matthews said: Aviator's vision is to deliver technology that works, scales – and that pays for itself. 'Today's retailers need screens that sell and networks that never drop – that's where we come in,' he said.
Agriland
12-05-2025
- Agriland
Danone acquires US plant-based nutritional formulas company
Danone has announced today (Monday, May 12) that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Kate Farms, a fast-growing US business offering plant-based, organic nutrition products for both medical and everyday needs. Kate Farms' products are expected to enhance Danone's specialised nutrition offerings. According to Danone, the partnership builds on Danone and Kate Farms' shared commitment to offer nutritional solutions that positively impact people's health, and their continued efforts to support improved standards of care to better serve communities in the US. The acquisition means that Kate Farms' products will reach more consumers and patients, which Danone has stated will bring high-quality nutrition to more people with a wide range of health needs. Following the closing of the transaction, Kate Farms' chief executive officer, (CEO) Brett Matthews, will serve as chair and CEO of Danone's North American Medical Nutrition business. Kate Farms' senior management will retain a minority stake in the combined business. The transaction remains subject to closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Matthews said: 'Kate Farms is focused on helping people live their best lives through quality nutrition. We are excited to be working alongside Danone, who share our mission. 'We are both focused on going above and beyond to help people with health needs and the medical professionals supporting those needs in the US. 'Together, we can bring our innovative scientifically developed nutritional products to more and more people. Building on Danone's expertise, we can also expand internationally. 'It is rare that two companies come together by virtue of the same values and a philosophy of building a growth company that helps people live their best lives, delivered by team members who show their heart and expertise every day,' he added. Danone Group deputy CEO, and CEO Americas, Shane Grant added: 'This partnership aligns perfectly with our science-based and patient-centred approach to specialised nutrition, and it marks another important milestone in Danone's 125-year specialised nutrition history. 'Kate Farms' innovative medical nutrition products expand our offerings, enhance our ability to provide better solutions for people with wide-ranging health needs, and support healthier lives, both in the US and globally. 'With a deep 80-year heritage and over 5,000 team members in the US, Danone has built a thriving local presence across the country. 'This new partnership further builds on that footprint and enhances our commitment to the growth of our communities.' Danone Danone is a global food and beverage company operating in three health-focused, fast-growing and on-trend categories: Essential dairy and plant-based products; waters; and specialised nutrition. Danone has defined its 'Renew' strategy to restore growth, competitiveness, and value creation for the long-term. With over 90,000 employees, and products sold in over 120 markets, Danone generated €27.4 billion in sales in 2024. Danone's portfolio includes leading international brands – (Actimel; Activia; Alpro; Aptamil; Danette; Danio; Danonino; evian; Nutricia; Nutrilon; Volvic; among others) as well as local and regional brands including: AQUA; Bledina; Bonafont; Cow & Gate; Mizone; Oikos; Silk. Kate Farms Kate Farms was founded when a little girl named Kate was failing to thrive because she couldn't tolerate any of the available tube feeding formulas. Her determined parents, Richard and Michelle, had the idea to develop a formula using high-quality, organic, and plant-based ingredients without the common allergens and ingredients often found in traditional formulas. Kate Farms provides nutritional formulas and shakes for children and adults, intended for both oral and tube feeding, whether as sole-source or supplemental nutrition. They are available nationally and eligible for insurance coverage in 33+ states. All formulas and shakes are made with organic pea protein, fibre, and phytonutrients, and without the top nine allergens, artificial sweeteners, colours, or flavours.
