Ireland has been ranked the second best country in the world for work-life balance, according to a new global index for 2025.
The Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 analysed 60 countries, measuring factors such as annual leave entitlements, healthcare access, public safety, and average working hours to determine which nations offer the best quality of life for workers.
Topping the list is New Zealand, where employees are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave and up to 10 days of sick leave after six months with an employer.
Auckland, New Zealand
Close behind in second place is Ireland, with workers guaranteed at least four weeks of paid leave, alongside strong protections and access to public services that contribute to a healthier work-life balance.
In third place is Belgium, where employees receive 20 days of annual leave if working a standard five-day week, followed by Germany in fourth, which also offers a minimum of 20 days off per year.
Rounding out the top five is Norway, noted for its generous family policies, including 54 weeks of maternity leave paid at 80% for working mothers.
Other countries making the top 10 include Denmark, Canada, Australia, Finland and Spain — highlighting a strong European presence alongside high-performing nations in Oceania and North America.
Barcelona, Spain
Notably, the UK did not make the top 10, despite being included in the study.
The findings reflect a growing global shift in workplace priorities, with employees placing increasing value on balance over salary. Research suggests that 83% to 87% of workers now consider work-life balance as important as — or more important than — pay, while 91% report experiencing high levels of stress linked to poor balance.
Studies also show that improving work-life balance can have tangible benefits, including higher productivity, reduced burnout, and better staff retention, with some estimates pointing to a 13% boost in performance when flexible working arrangements are introduced.
For Ireland, the ranking reinforces its position as one of the leading countries for quality of life, particularly as flexible working, employee wellbeing, and work culture continue to evolve in the post-pandemic era.
The top 10 countries for work-life balance in 2025 are:
