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Canada Ranked Among Top Countries for Work-Life Balance in 2025
When it comes to building a better life abroad, people often look beyond jobs and salaries. They want safety, time for family, better healthcare, and a good work-life balance. That’s exactly where Canada’s work-life balance wins the spotlight again.
In the latest Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 by Remote, Canada ranked 7th out of 60 countries worldwide. It is also the only country in the Americas to make it to the top 10.
If you’re someone considering Canada as your future home or work destination, these numbers tell you a lot more than just rankings. They reflect how living and working in Canada can help you lead a fulfilling life.
Canada’s Work-Life Balance Ranking: How It Stands Out Globally
Canada secured an impressive score of 73.46 out of 100, placing it ahead of countries like Australia, Spain, and Finland. Here’s a comparison snapshot of how Canada ranks among other global leaders:
| Rank | Country | Score |
| 1 | New Zealand | 86.87 |
| 2 | Ireland | 81.17 |
| 3 | Belgium | 75.91 |
| 4 | Germany | 74.65 |
| 5 | Norway | 74.20 |
| 6 | Denmark | 73.76 |
| 7 | Canada | 73.46 |
| 8 | Australia | 72.10 |
| 9 | Spain | 71.94 |
| 10 | Finland | 70.86 |
What makes Canada’s performance even more significant is the gap between it and the United States, which ranks 59th with a score of only 31.17.
What’s Behind Canada’s Work-Life Balance Score?
Remote analyzed 10 major indicators to evaluate work-life quality. Let’s look at how Canada’s work-life balance fares on a few of them:
| Factor | Canada | Germany | Norway |
| Happiness Index | 6.8 | 6.75 | 7.26 |
| Safety (Peace Score) | 1.45 (lower = safer) | 1.54 | 1.64 |
| Statutory Leave Days | 17 days | 30 days | 35 days |
| Maternity Leave (Paid) | 18 weeks at 55% | 14 weeks at 100% | 49 weeks at 100% |
| Avg Hours Worked/Week | 35.2 | 33.2 | 32.6 |
Canada shines in areas like public safety, healthcare access, and moderate work hours. It also offers parental leave of up to 55 weeks when combining maternity and parental benefits, giving parents extended time with their children.
Why This Matters to Newcomers and Foreign Workers
This ranking reflects more than just labor laws. It signals what life can actually feel like for immigrants and international workers.
Here’s how Canada supports a healthy work-life rhythm:
- Predictable work schedules
- Remote-friendly companies and flexible policies
- Access to public healthcare
- Culturally inclusive workplaces
- Generous paid time off
The index also mentions how Canadian employers respect personal boundaries. “Employees typically maintain a healthy separation between work and family life,” says the report.
Canada’s Work-Life Score: A Pull Factor for Global Talent
In 2024, Canada was already the top choice for people looking to move abroad for work. The 2025 report adds more weight to that. With rising costs of living and burnout rates increasing globally, skilled professionals are shifting focus from just earning to living well.
That’s where Canada’s work-life balance becomes a deciding factor for many foreign nationals and international students planning their future.
A Quick Look at the Methodology
Remote’s report considered 10 weighted indicators to determine the overall score. Here’s what was assessed:
- Paid statutory leave (including public holidays)
- Sick pay and maternity leave benefits
- Healthcare quality and access
- National minimum wage (in USD/hour)
- LGBTQ+ inclusivity rating
- Safety and peace index
- Happiness score (1 to 10)
- Average weekly working hours
Each of these elements reflects how countries support not just their citizens, but also newcomers.
Why Canada’s Work-Life Balance Makes It a Global Favorite
Canada’s presence in the top 10 countries for work-life balance isn’t just a headline—it’s a sign of a lifestyle that blends opportunity with well-being. Whether you’re moving here for work, studies, or starting a family, Canada makes it easier to maintain your personal time while growing professionally. If a better work-life balance is what you’re after, Canada might just be your best move.
