Canada ranked among the countries with the best work-life balance — Here’s who beat us, Life in canada

Canada was recently ranked among the top countries across the world with the best work-life balance.

Remote, an online company that provides remote work services to businesses across the world, compiled a list of countries with the best work-life balance in 2024, and Canada not only placed, but managed to snag a spot in the top five.

Remote conducted an index data analysis of the world’s top 60 GDP countries to reveal which global players offer the best life-work balance for employees. Data points included statutory annual leave, minimum statutory sick pay, statutory maternity leave, minimum wage, healthcare system, average hours worked per week, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and safety and happiness indexes.

So, how did Canada do?

The true north placed fifth overall, with an index score of 72.75.

According to Remote, Canada ranks highly primarily due to having one of the shortest average working weeks (the average Canadian works 32.1 hours, fewer than all but three countries analyzed) while also being considered one of the safest and most LGBTQ+-friendly countries.

Furthermore, it’s clear Canadians are well ahead of their neighbours in the U.S. (who ranked 55 out of 60 on the list) in terms of their attitude toward work, with Canadian working culture tending to be professional but inclusive.

The only four countries to beat Canada were primarily in Europe. New Zealand ranked first, with an index score of 80.76. Ireland (77.89), Belgium (73.45), and Denmark (73.45) all followed suit.

Wondering which other countries made the cut? Here’s the complete top 10 countries in the world with the best work-life balance, per Remote:

1. New Zealand
2. Ireland
3. Belgium
4. Denmark
5. Canada
6. Germany
7. Finland
8. Australia
9. Norway
10. Spain

This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.