5 days ago
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.
