15:59 1 February 2025
New Zealand, Ireland, and Belgium Lead in Work-Life Balance
New Zealand, Ireland, and Belgium have been recognized as the top countries for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, according to the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024. Poland ranked 17th out of 60 countries. The ranking, compiled by recruitment platform Remote, evaluated paid leave entitlements, maternity benefits, working hours, sick pay, minimum wage, and safety levels.
New Zealand secured first place, offering a high minimum wage and 32 days of annual leave. It also scores well in happiness and safety rankings. Ireland followed in second, known for its generous minimum wage and strong workplace culture, where hierarchy is less emphasized. In third place, Belgium reflects the philosophy of "working to live," with one of Europe’s highest minimum wages and a balanced workweek.
Despite offering slightly more vacation days than New Zealand, Poland lags in maternity leave benefits and minimum wage. Additionally, Poles work an average of 40 hours per week, compared to 33 in New Zealand.
