Top 10 places to find the best life-work balance in 2024

Tokyo, Singapore, and Taipei rank top in Asia.

New Zealand has retained its top spot globally for two consecutive years with the best life-work balance, according to the 2024 Global Life-Work Balance Index published by Remote.

Ranking by a ‘life-work balance score out of 100’, New Zealand stands out among 60 listed places with a score of 80.76. This can be attributed to its high minimum wage and generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days. It also scores well on the “happiness index” and is considered one of the safest countries to live and work in.

Asian cities also fare well in life-work balance globally:

24^th – Tokyo
26^th – Singapore
28^th – Taipei
36^th – Seoul
37^th – Hanoi
39^th – Bangkok
43^rd – Jakarta
46^th – Hong Kong
47^th – Kuala Lumpur
48^th – New Delhi
49^th – Beijing
59^th – Manila

“People are seeking environments that directly address concerns over burnout and stress while promoting a healthy approach to work that allows them to bring their best every day,” said Barbara Matthews, Chief People Officer, Remote.

“There’s still work to be done across the globe to strike a perfect balance between our personal and professional selves.”

The global top 10 with the best life-work balance are as follows:

1^st   – New Zealand (80.76)
2^nd  – Ireland (77.89)
3^rd   – Belgium (73.45)
3^rd   – Denmark (73.45)
5^th   – Canada (72.75)
6^th   – Germany (71.84)
7^th   – Finland (71.55)
8^th   – Australia (71.35)
9^th   – Norway (70.85)
10^th – Spain (70.60)

Indicators to count in the rankings:

• Statutory annual leave (total days of paid leave, including public holidays)
• Minimum statutory sick pay (percent of wage, or a flat amount)
• Statutory maternity leave (weeks paid)
• Statutory maternity leave payment rate (percent of wage)
• Minimum wage (USD per hour) (dividing the annual minimum wage rate by 52 weeks and then by the length of the standard workweek)
• Healthcare system (for example, a private or government-funded system)
• Happiness Index score (1-10, with 10 being the highest)
• Average hours worked per week per employed person
• LGBTQ+ inclusivity (0-100, with 100 being the highest; the Legal Index highlights the legal rights and freedoms LGBTQ+ people have, while the Public Opinion Index reflects how the general public feels in each region)
• Safety, based on the Global Peace Index (1-4, with lower being better)