Canada has been named the seventh-best country in the world for work-life balance in 2025, according to the latest Global Life-Work Balance Index released by Remote.com. Among 60 nations evaluated, Canada stands out as the only country in the Americas to land a spot in the coveted top ten — a distinction that further highlights the country’s strong social protections and employee-first work culture.
Despite slipping two spots from 2024, Canada earned a solid index score of 73.46, which reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, healthy, and balanced work environment. Maple News reports that Canada outperformed traditional economic powerhouses, including the United States, which ranked at a dismal 59th place.
Several key strengths contributed to Canada’s ranking: generous statutory sick leave, robust public safety, universal healthcare, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity are all areas where the country scored highly. In Canadian workplace culture, professionalism and dependability are valued, but not at the expense of personal wellbeing. Employees are encouraged to prioritize time with family and enjoy a workplace ethos that respects boundaries between personal and professional life.
The Global Life-Work Balance Index evaluates countries across various indicators such as average working hours, paid leave, healthcare access, safety, and inclusivity. Canada’s labour laws ensure that most full-time employees receive a minimum of two weeks’ paid vacation annually, with more days added with tenure. Parental leave can extend up to 18 months with federal benefits, and employment standards across provinces typically offer between 3 and 10 paid sick days.
By contrast, the U.S. continues to face criticism for lackluster worker support, with the absence of universal healthcare, limited paid leave, and longer working hours resulting in a much lower index score. As Maple News notes, the stark contrast between the neighbouring nations further cements Canada’s position as a preferred destination for professionals seeking both career opportunity and quality of life.
Canada’s balanced work culture is part of its broader social values that prioritize fairness, diversity, and inclusion. Newcomers benefit from the same employee protections as Canadian citizens, as long as they are legally employed and meet eligibility criteria for provincial or federal benefits. Flexible work options, safe working environments, and an emphasis on mental health support continue to make Canada an attractive country for both domestic and international workers.
Globally, New Zealand topped the 2025 Index with an impressive score of 86.87, followed closely by Ireland and Belgium. European nations dominated the top slots due to short work weeks and strong social support frameworks. However, Canada’s continued presence in the top ten — and as the sole representative from North America — highlights its unique status as a hub of occupational health, diversity, and employee wellbeing.
In a world where burnout is increasingly commonplace, Canada’s stable performance proves that professional ambition and personal balance don’t have to be mutually exclusive.