Tag: china

Countries With the Worst Work-Life Balance in 2025 (Global Ranking Explained)

Work–life balance has become one of the most important indicators of quality of life in modern societies. While some nations promote shorter working hours, paid leave and employee well-being, others still struggle with long workweeks, limited social protections, and lower happiness levels.

A global analysis conducted by Remote.com (covering the world’s top 60 economies by GDP) highlights the countries where maintaining balance between work and personal life is the most difficult.

Below is a simplified breakdown of the findings, along with how the ranking was calculated.

Countries with the Worst Work-Life Balance

Based on an index, these are the Top 10 countries/cities with the worst work–life balance:

1 Hong Kong (City of Victoria) – Overall rank: 46 | Score: 43.87
2 Philippines (Manila) – Overall rank: 41 | Score: 46.60
3 India (New Delhi) – Overall rank: 52 | Score: 41.00
4 United States (Washington, D.C.) – Overall rank: 59 | Score: 31.17
5 Kazakhstan (Nursultan) – Overall rank: 43 | Score: 44.57
6 United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) – Overall rank: 44 | Score: 44.46
7 Mexico (Mexico City) – Overall rank: 45 | Score: 44.04
8 Algeria (Algiers) – Overall rank: 47 | Score: 43.63
9 Morocco (Rabat) – Overall rank: 50 | Score: 43.01
10 China (Beijing) – Overall rank: 51 | Score: 42.64

Methodology: How the Ranking Was Measured

The index is based on a composite score out of 100, combining multiple social, economic, and labor-related indicators. Instead of relying on a single factor, it evaluates nine key areas:

  • Statutory annual leave (paid vacation days + public holidays)
  • Sick leave policies and pay rates
  • Maternity leave duration and compensation
  • Average weekly working hours
  • Minimum wage levels (USD per hour)
  • Healthcare quality and accessibility
  • National happiness index
  • LGBTQ+ inclusivity and rights
  • Workplace safety and general living conditions

Each country is then ranked based on its overall performance across these indicators, reflecting how well citizens are able to balance work demands with personal well-being.

Key Insights from the Study

  • Countries with long working hours and low statutory leave consistently rank lower
  • Economic strength does not guarantee work-life balance (e.g., the United States ranks poorly despite being a top economy)
  • Nations with stronger social protections, healthcare, and leave policies tend to rank higher
  • Happiness and inclusivity are strongly linked to better work-life balance outcomes

The ranking highlights a global inequality in how work is structured. While some nations are moving toward flexible, human-centered work cultures, others continue to prioritize productivity over personal well-being.

However, countries that invest in people, not in just output, create healthier and more balanced societies.

Sources: 20 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance, According To Remote Global Index

China-Sri Lanka Partnership Strengthened through School Uniform Donation

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, reaffirmed the strong relationship between China and Sri Lanka, highlighting education as a shared foundation for equality and development.

Speaking at an event held recently to mark China’s continued donation of free school uniform materials, the Prime Minister stated that both China and Sri Lanka can be identified as nations committed to providing equal access to fundamental education for all children. She emphasized that such collaborations play a crucial role in ensuring educational equity across the country.

Dr. Amarasuriya noted that the support extended by the Chinese government has been a significant strength in Sri Lanka’s efforts to maintain quality education, particularly during challenging times. She further stated that China’s long-standing commitment to providing school uniform materials, fulfilled consistently over several years, clearly reflects the mutual trust, respect, and enduring friendship between the two countries.

“The uninterrupted fulfillment of this promise demonstrates China’s solidarity with Sri Lanka, especially during periods of difficulty,” she said, expressing gratitude on behalf of all Sri Lankans for the generous donation.

As part of this initiative, the Chinese community has donated school uniform fabric valued at approximately 11.484 million units as a full grant. The materials delivered to Sri Lanka in five shipments. The official handover of the donation was made to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Qi Zhenhong.

It is expected that approximately 4,418,404 students will receive school uniforms this year. Distribution of the materials to Divisional Education Offices was scheduled to begin from January 19, 2026. Free school uniforms will be provided to students in government schools, government-approved Pirivenas, and government-approved Pirivena institutions across the island, under a programme implemented by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

Addressing the event, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong highlighted the long-standing and resilient relationship between China and Sri Lanka, noting that the partnership has endured despite various challenges. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s education sector and contributing to the country’s long-term development.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madura Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, and several other officials.