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Ireland tops the index thanks to increased safety and reduced working hours (Image: Getty)
If you've ever imagined ditching long commutes for sea-view strolls, or dreamed of relocating somewhere with shorter work weeks and a higher quality of life, a new report might help you choose your next home. Global employment experts at Remote have just released their European Life-Work Balance Index, ranking every European country in terms of quality of life and workplace wellbeing.
The index scores nations on factors such as annual leave, maternity and sick pay, safety, happiness, inclusivity, healthcare access, and average working hours, with each European country assessed using a 'life-work balance score' out of 100.
For the second year in a row, Ireland, which is just over an hour's flight from mainland Britain, has secured the top spot, with Iceland and Belgium rounding out the top three. The Nordic region continues to dominate the leaderboard, although 2025 brings some unexpected shifts as well.
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Ireland topped the index for the second year in a row (Image: Getty)
The UK jumped five places from 18th position in the ranking to 13th, while Sweden slipped out of the top 20 for the first time going from 16th to 21st. This is due to Sweden's lower safety scores and reduced perceptions of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, despite remaining one of Europe's happiest nations.
Ireland has been named the 'best country in Europe to live and work' with a score of 82.89 boosting its overall score by more than four points in 2025, helped by a stronger public-safety rating and a drop in average weekly working hours. The Global Peace Index now also ranks Ireland among the safest places in Europe.
The country also performs exceptionally well on happiness, consistently placing among Europe’s most content nations. Although living costs can be steep, particularly in Dublin, this is balanced by a comparatively high minimum wage, which currently works out at about $13.96 (£10.67) an hour, the sixth highest on the continent.
The country's varied landscapes, from dramatic Atlantic cliffs and wild coastal paths to rolling green countryside and peaceful lake regions contribute greatly to residents' wellbeing.
This year, a record number of Irish parks and green spaces received the prestigious Green Flag Award, with 22 sites across the Republic achieving the standard.
Barbara Matthews, chief people officer at Remote, commented on the European Life-Work Balance Index and the importance of life-work balance.
She said: "In 2025, the idea that productivity must come at the expense of our health or our personal time is being challenged in a serious way.
"This is especially the case across Europe, where policies are starting to reflect the simple truth that people are not machines. But life-work balance is about more than just working fewer hours.
"Employees must be given the time, space, and trust to live fully. When people feel like their lives outside of work are respected, they show up with more focus and resilience. And that’s clearly good for business."
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