According to Maple News, Canada has once again secured a spot among the globe’s leading countries for work-life balance, ranking 7th in the 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index. It remains the only country in the Americas to place in the top ten, underscoring its ongoing commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusive workplace policies.
The index, compiled by Remote.com, evaluates 60 countries on indicators like healthcare access, minimum wage, statutory leave, average working hours, safety, inclusivity, and overall happiness. Despite falling two places since its 2024 ranking, Canada continues to stand out globally for its employee protections and cultural commitment to balancing professional and personal life.
Canada earned a score of 73.46, reflecting strengths in areas such as universal healthcare, inclusive work environments, and some of the world’s most generous statutory sick pay policies. Canadian workplaces prize professionalism and punctuality, while promoting boundaries that help employees maintain personal wellbeing, family time, and leisure outside of work.
Notably, Canada’s performance shines brighter when contrasted with the United States, which ranked 59th this year. The stark difference arises from disparities in healthcare access, paid leave policies, and social safety nets. Canada’s public healthcare and inclusive labour laws help create a more sustainable and attractive environment for workers and newcomers alike.
Canadian employees typically work between 36 and 40 hours per week, with legally enforced overtime standards and vacation allotments starting at two weeks annually—extended with tenure. Paid parental leave of up to 18 months, statutory sick leave, and protections around workplace safety and diversity are common features across provinces.
Globally, New Zealand retained the top spot for work-life balance, followed by Ireland and Belgium. These nations earned high marks for short working hours, strong labour protections, and national wellbeing. Norway notably surged into fifth place due to improved parental leave policies and a reduced average workweek, while countries like Germany and Denmark continued to lead Europe with structured and supportive employment systems.
Canada’s presence in the top 10 signals its dedication to providing a healthy, safe, and adaptable work environment—not only for longtime residents but also for newcomers building lives in the country. The alignment between Canadian workplace policies and national values such as fairness, inclusion, and social responsibility reinforces its global reputation as a top destination for talent and quality of life.