New Zealand tops work-life balance, India lags at 48th: Remote study

New Zealand leads in work-life balance global ranking according to the 2024 Global Life-Work Balance Index, offering policies and practices that prioritize employee well-being. Conversely, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar stand out for all the wrong reasons, with employees routinely clocking in a staggering 50+ hours per week.

However, the report highlights global disparities. Landing at 48th place, India finds itself positioned outside the top half of the surveyed countries. Long working hours, a culture of presenteeism, and limited access to flexible work arrangements are often cited as challenges to achieving work-life balance in India.

Barbara Matthews, Chief People Officer, said, "We appreciate that work-life balance is nuanced and varies across individuals and industries — our index study is here as a comparative exercise to showcase which countries provide the best baselines for organisations to foster a strong work-life balance." 

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Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark, and Norway consistently rank high on both fronts. Their generous paid leave policies and commitment to flexible work arrangements appear to contribute to a happier and more productive workforce.

The 2024 Index reveals significant year-over-year shifts. The United Kingdom, for example, dropped from the top 10 to 15th place, primarily due to a decline in happiness scores and a lower safety rating.

The United States, known for its demanding work culture and limited paid leave policies, remains one of the lowest-ranking countries, placed 55th out of 60.

Interestingly, the report challenges a widely held assumption: generous paid leave doesn't automatically translate to work-life balance. Countries like Iran, Kuwait, and Algeria offer some of the most generous leave entitlements, yet they don't rank highly overall.

Another key factor influencing work-life balance appears to be financial security. Australia and New Zealand, the top-ranked countries, also share the highest minimum wage among the surveyed nations. 

The concept of work-life balance extends beyond just working hours. The report emphasizes the importance of social well-being for a fulfilling life. Norway emerges as a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with Denmark following closely behind.

Nordic countries are the happiest in the world, with Finland, Denmark, and Sweden ranking highest and Norway also scoring well.

The report underscores work-life balance (or life-work balance is becoming non-negotiable for employees worldwide.  This shift in priorities is reflected in a recent study where 71% of UK employees ranked work-life balance as the main driver of job satisfaction, even exceeding salary.

The 2024 update to the work-life balance study analysed the top 60 economies, adding safety to its metrics.