India's Work Life Imbalance: A Comparative Analysis with New Zealand and Pathways for Sustainable Work Culture

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study is to analyse the contradiction of India's rapid economic growth and persistently low place in global work-life balance (WLB) rankings. It seeks to identify important factors to this imbalance, compare India's WLB to New Zealand's top-ranked model, and make recommendations for improvement. Study Design: This research employs a theoretical and descriptive design. Methodology: The study thoroughly examined and analysed secondary data as well as current. literature. Data were gathered from several published sources, including Remote's Global Work-Life Balance Index 2025, the ILO, the World Happiness Report, the Global Peace Index, and current employee surveys (Remote, 2025), (The World Happiness Report, 2025), (ILO,n.d.), (Institute for Economics & Peace, 2025). Results: Analysis revealed India ranked 42nd out of 60 countries in Remote's Global Work-Life Balance Index 2025 (score 45.81) (Remote, 2025), a stark contrast to New Zealand's 1st place (score 86.87) (Remote, 2025). Key contributing factors to India's lower ranking include average weekly working hours of 46.7, prevalent "presenteeism," limited access to flexible work, non-uniform minimum wages, and lengthy commutes. Despite these challenges, a significant 78% of Indian employees prioritized family time in a recent 2025 survey, indicating a growing demand for improved WLB. Conclusion: India's current work culture poses a sustainability challenge for its growth. Achieving healthier, more productive and sustainable work-life balance necessitates a multi-faceted approach, integrating policy interventions, proactive organizational strategies, and individual empowerment. These methods are vital for the well-being and productivity of India's labour force.