What countries have understood how to preserve the well-being of their workers? A study has just revealed what are the places in the world with the best balance between professional and private life … and France is a bad student.
And if you live in a country where your evenings are not spoiled by professional emails, where your mental health is valued at least as much as your performance and where the holidays are 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 Remotespecialized in human resources management, established the 2025 ranking.
In a world upset by hyperconnection and constant pressure, some countries succeed in protecting their population from burnout. In third position in the ranking, with a score of 75.91/100, it is Belgium which is pulling out of the game. In addition to fries, beers and chocolate, the flat country offers real advantages to workers, such as 30 days of paid holidays, correct maternity coverage and one 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 that rises in 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 safety and an increasingly inclusive professional climate. Even if the weeks of work are a little longer with an average of 34.3 hours, the Irish benefit generally from a pleasant lifestyle.
But what is the country with the best balance between professional and private life? You may be expecting a Scandinavian country … but think again! This is New Zealand. With an impressive score of 86.87/100, she is at the top of 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 weekly working time of 33 hours, among the lowest, and a 26 -week maternity leave. All with breathtaking landscapes. What make employees around the world dream …
But what about France? Good historical student on paid leave with 36 days a year (including RTT), hexagon only arrives in 16th position of this classification! In question: a higher average working time (35 hours), less and less favorable health coverage and well-being indicators, such as mental health or labor satisfaction.
