Which countries have understood how to preserve the well-being of their workers? A study has just revealed which places in the world have the best balance between professional and private life… And France is a bad student.
What if you lived in a country where your evenings are not ruined by work emails, where your mental health is valued at least as much as your performance and where time off is not seen as a luxury but as a fundamental right? The quest for a better balance between professional and private life is more relevant than ever. But which country is the champion in this area? The platform Remotespecializing in human resources management, established the 2025 ranking.
In a world disrupted by hyperconnection and constant pressure, some countries are succeeding in protecting their populations against burnout. In third position in the ranking, with a score of 75.91/100, Belgium is doing well. In addition to fries, beers and chocolate, the flat country offers real benefits to workers, such as 30 days of paid leave, decent maternity cover and a minimum wage among the highest in Europe (€14.58/hour). In addition, the quality of life is stable and the public health system is efficient.
Then, it is Ireland which climbs to second place in the ranking. It manages to combine economic growth and social well-being. The country offers 30 days of paid leave, a good universal health system, a high level of security and an increasingly inclusive professional climate. Even though working weeks are a little longer with an average of 34.3 hours, the Irish enjoy a pleasant lifestyle overall.
But which country has the best work-life balance? You might have expected a Scandinavian country… but think again! This is New Zealand. With an impressive score of 86.87/100, it tops the ranking thanks to very favorable working conditions with a minimum of four weeks of paid leave per year (and 32 days on average), universal health care, a working week of 33 hours, among the lowest, and maternity leave of 26 weeks. All with breathtaking landscapes. Something to make employees around the world dream…
But what about France? A good historical student on paid leave with 36 days per year (including RTT), France however only comes in 16th position in this ranking! The cause: a longer average working time (35 hours), less and less favorable health coverage and declining indicators of well-being, such as mental health or job satisfaction.
