Canada continues to shine on the global stage, recently being ranked 7th out of 60 countries in the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025. The report, published by global HR firm Remote, reveals that Canada offers one of the best work-life balance environments in the world.
What’s even more impressive? Canada is the only country in the Americas to break into the top 10, placing just behind several European nations known for their progressive labour policies.
Canada’s Rank in Work-Life Balance: Global Top 10
| Rank | Country | Score (/100) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 86.87 |
| 2 | Ireland | 81.17 |
| 3 | Belgium | 75.91 |
| 4 | Germany | 74.65 |
| 5 | Norway | 74.20 |
| 6 | Denmark | 73.76 |
| 7 | Canada | 73.46 |
| 8 | Australia | 72.10 |
| 9 | Spain | 71.94 |
| 10 | Finland | 70.86 |
What Makes Canada a Great Place for Work-Life Balance?
Canada’s high ranking in the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 is based on 10 different indicators that measure how countries support the personal and professional lives of their workers.
Some of the key reasons why Canada ranks so highly for work-life balance include:
- Moderate average weekly work hours
- Fair statutory annual leave policies
- Good maternity benefits
- Strong healthcare access
- Safe and inclusive work environments
- High happiness scores
Let’s look at how Canada compares to other top-ranking countries on key indicators.
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Work-Life Balance Comparison: Canada vs Others
| Country | Happiness Index | Safety Score | Paid Leave (Days) | Maternity Leave (Weeks/Rate) | Avg. Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 6.8 | 1.45 | 17 | 18 weeks @ 55% | 35.2 |
| Australia | 6.97 | 1.54 | 30 | 12 weeks @ minimum wage | 32.3 |
| Germany | 6.75 | 1.54 | 30 | 14 weeks @ 100% | 33.2 |
| Spain | 6.47 | 1.6 | 36 | 16 weeks @ 100% | 36.3 |
| Norway | 7.26 | 1.64 | 35 | 49 weeks @ 100% | 32.6 |
Note: Canadian workers can access up to 55 weeks of parental leave when combining maternity and parental benefits.
How Was the Ranking Calculated?
Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 evaluated 60 countries using the following 10 indicators:
- Statutory annual leave
- Statutory sick pay
- Maternity leave duration
- Maternity leave payment rate
- Minimum wage (USD/hour)
- Healthcare quality
- Happiness score
- Average weekly work hours
- Safety (Global Peace Index)
- LGBTQ+ inclusivity
Each metric was index-weighted and compiled into a final score out of 100.
Why Canada Stands Out for Work-Life Balance
Canada has become a prime destination for skilled immigrants, largely due to its economic opportunities and an unusually supportive work environment.
Here’s why many foreign nationals are choosing to work in Canada:
- Fair work policies that prioritize personal time
- Safe and inclusive communities
- Universal healthcare for residents
- Family-friendly parental leave
- A strong sense of well-being and social support
Canada was also recently named the #1 country people want to move to for work in 2024, and this latest report shows exactly why.
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Canada vs the United States: A Surprising Gap
A glaring disparity exists between Canada and the United States in the report findings, surprisingly. Canada ranked 7th, boasting a score of 73.46; meanwhile, U. S. stumbled upon 59th place with a mediocre score of just 31,1,7, highlighting stark disparity.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You Move to Canada
If you’re considering a move to Canada for a better work-life balance, Visa Solutions 4u can help you take the next step with confidence.
We offer:
- Work permit guidance and eligibility checks
- Assistance with Canada PR applications
- Help finding job opportunities aligned with your skills
- Step-by-step support through visa processing
- Updated info on Canadian labour laws and benefits
Final Thoughts
Canada reinforces its stellar reputation as a fantastic place globally in 2025 with its top-10 ranking for a pretty decent work-life balance. Canada continues attracting global talent pretty easily, owing largely to progressive policies, a really fantastic healthcare system, and a super family-friendly work culture. Canada offers lifestyle solutions you've been hankering for, whether young exec or frazzled parent, or entrepreneur craving better work-life vibes. Prepared to make a drastic change now? Visa Solutions 4u will adeptly guide you thoroughly through each arduous step with unrelenting precision and utmost care.
