Australia has been ranked among the top ten countries for life-work balance in a new global index, thanks to short working weeks and the highest minimum wage of any developed economy.
Australia has retained its position inside the world's top ten countries for life-work balance, securing eighth place in the 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index – while also claiming the title of the world's highest minimum wage.
The index, compiled by international employment platform Remote, assessed the top 60 GDP nations using a range of indicators including working hours, statutory leave, healthcare, public safety, and inclusivity to determine which nations best prioritise wellbeing alongside productivity.
Scoring 72.1 out of 100, Australia once again outperformed a host of wealthy European nations, as well as the United States, which slumped to 59th place.
It marks the second consecutive year Australia has held the eighth spot. While New Zealand topped the global rankings for the third year running with an impressive score of 86.87, Australia led the world in one critical category - the minimum wage - set at US$18.12 per hour, or roughly AU$24.10.
Australian workers benefit from one of the world's shortest average working weeks. Photo: Justin TALLIS / AFP
By comparison, New Zealand sits at US$16.47, and the United Kingdom at US$15.67.
Australian workers also benefit from one of the world's shortest average working weeks, clocking in at just 32.29 hours, far below the global average of 39.19.
Combined with generous annual leave and maternity entitlements, these conditions help explain why Australia continues to rank strongly, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region where it placed second, behind only New Zealand.
A slight dip in the country's happiness score - likely linked to ongoing cost of living pressures - was cited as a factor in its drop, though experts say core entitlements remain among the most competitive globally.
European countries continue to dominate the top of the rankings, with Ireland, Belgium, Germany, and Norway all inside the top five.
In contrast, the United States continues its slide, recording one of the lowest scores in the world at just 31.17.
Australia's performance is also drawing attention within the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, where working conditions and career sustainability remain pressing issues.
Advocates argue that Australia's global standing and wage leadership should provide momentum for improving pay and wellbeing in high-pressure sectors like early learning.
All the index data was collected and analysed in April 2025.
https://www.skynews.com.au/lifestyle/health/australia-scores-eighth-for-global-lifework-balance-in-2025-but-boasts-the-worlds-highest-minimum-wage/news-story/e4f651334a62d93a6868272b23f9f670
