Work Life Balance Statistics 2025

As remote work continues to reshape professional life, conversations around work-life balance have become more prominent, too.

Remote work has moved from novelty to norm – and with it, our conversations around work-life balance have deepened. As the boundaries between professional and personal life continue to blur, understanding how remote workers are navigating this new terrain is more important than ever. To uncover how today’s global remote workforce truly feels, we leveraged AI-driven audience profiling to synthesize insights from opinions expressed online to a high statistical confidence level. Our data had a sample size of 78,150 remote workers worldwide and covered a full year, ending on 24 February 2025. 

What emerged is a revealing, data-driven picture of how flexibility, burnout, boundaries, and support are reshaping the modern work experience. The results provide a fresh, data-backed view of how work-life balance is shaping up.

 

Key Findings

• 17.5% remote workers use time tracking software
• 33.1% say remote working increases their productivity
• 50.9% agree flexibility in schedule helps maintain work-life balance
• 33.6% of remote workers have project-based flexibility
• 19% remote workers often feel pressure to respond after hours
• 20.3% find communication with family helps maintain work boundaries
• 71.2% remote workers have a very flexible workload
• 37.2% say flexibility makes balancing work and life more complicated
• 72.6% remote workers experience physical symptoms of burnout
• 56.3% of employers provide remote work tools
• 43.1% remote workers primarily work from a home office
• 19.6% say allowing flexibility is the best way to support remote workers
• 60.8% identify as remote workers
• 18.3% of remote overseas workers are based in the United States
• 38.8% of remote workers are software developers
• 38.2% remote workers earn between $200,000 and $500,000
• Methodology

 

 

Which Software Is Most Helpful In Managing Your Work Remotely?

17.5% remote workers use time tracking software

Remote workers rely on a mix of software tools to stay productive. These are the tools our audiences use:

 

 

 

Time tracking software (17.5%) takes the top spot, helping remote workers manage their hours and productivity. Zoom (17.4%) isn’t far behind, continuing to be a go-to for virtual meetings. GitHub (12.1%) is a favourite among developers, while Notion (9.1%) and Todoist (8.5%) help professionals organize tasks and workflows.

What’s surprising is that Microsoft Teams (7.9%) ranks only sixth, even though it has 320 million monthly active users. Google Workspace (8.1%) and Slack (7.3%) also play big roles in keeping teams connected, with Slack’s real-time messaging being a popular choice for fast-paced communication.

Further down, Asana (4.3%) and Trello (3.2%) remain popular for managing projects, while Dropbox (3.1%) still sees some use for cloud storage. Lower rankings for Evernote (0.6%) and Google Calendar (0.5%) suggest most workers prefer all-in-one platforms. Time Zone Converter (0.3%) sits at the bottom, likely because built-in scheduling tools already do the same job.

 

 

How Does Remote Working Support Your Work Life Balance?

33.1% of respondents say remote working increases their productivity 

Remote work offers a range of benefits that help professionals balance their work and personal lives. The below graph reveals what our audience considers the  most advantageous: 

 

 

 

 

The biggest advantage remote workers in our audience report is increased productivity (33.1%), aligning with other similar studies. With fewer office distractions and more control over their environment, many find they can focus better and get more done. Cost savings (28.5%) also play a major role, as cutting expenses on commuting, meals, and work attire can ease financial stress.

Flexibility (13.6%) is another key factor, allowing professionals to structure their days in a way that suits them best. A further 6.2% specifically cite the ability to adjust their schedules when needed. Reduced commuting time (5.4%) also contributes to better work-life balance, freeing up hours that would otherwise be lost in traffic or on public transport.

Other benefits include better self-care (4.5%), more family time (4.0%), and improved global collaboration (3.4%). A small percentage appreciate comfortable home offices (0.6%) and better time zone management (0.5%), showing how even minor advantages can improve daily life. 

 

 

How Does Working Across Time Zones Affect Your Ability To Maintain Work Life Balance?

50.9% agree flexibility in schedule helps maintain work-life balance

Working across time zones can shape work-life balance in different ways:

 

 

 

 

Our audience says the biggest perk of working across time zones is schedule flexibility (50.9%). With fewer rigid hours, many remote workers can structure their day to fit their lifestyle, making it easier to balance work and personal time.

For 21.7%, this setup leads to a better work-life balance, while 12.9% say it helps them be more productive, particularly during quieter, off-peak hours. Another 12.4% describe their balance as “good,” suggesting that experiences vary depending on individual circumstances.

A smaller 2.1% highlight flexibility as a key benefit, while only 0.1% mention cultural differences, showing that practical scheduling matters more than working across different time zones. 

 

How Flexible Are Your Working Hours?

33.6% of remote workers have project-based flexibility

Remote work offers varying levels of flexibility, and this is how our audience fares:

 

 

 

 

The most common type of flexibility is project-based (33.6%), where workers set their schedules around deadlines rather than fixed hours. For 20.1%, flexibility is tied to meetings, meaning their schedules are partially dictated by team availability. A smaller 14.9% describe their hours as “very flexible,” while just 0.6% report complete freedom over their work schedule. 2.3% say their flexibility comes from working across time zones, while 0.5% adjust their hours through overtime.

At the other end, some remote workers prefer structure. 10.0% say fixed hours benefit them, while 6.3% feel these constraints limit their flexibility. 7.1% say they lack full flexibility, and 4.4% cite challenges balancing work and personal life. Notably, 0.0% report time zones restricting their flexibility, suggesting most can adapt as needed.

 

 

How Often Do You Feel The Need To Respond To Work Related Messages Outside Your Normal Working Hours?

19% remote workers often feel pressure to respond after hours

Remote work blurs the lines between professional and personal time, with varying levels of after-hours expectations:

 

 

 

 

The largest group (19%), say they often feel the need to respond to work messages outside their usual hours, highlighting the persistent challenge of maintaining clear boundaries. Another 12.6% feel this pressure constantly, showing that for some, work remains ever-present.

Conversely, 17.5% say they don’t feel obligated to respond, while 15.5% report never having to. 9.3% say it happens rarely, suggesting that many remote workers experience little to no after-hours pressure.

For others, it’s less clear-cut. 13.1% say they sometimes need to reply, while 13% feel an occasional obligation. This middle ground reflects a wider trend. A report from the European Union’s Eurofound agency found that 75% of workers are contacted after hours on some days or every day. This reinforces the reality that after-hours work expectations remain common.

 

 

How Well You Separate Work From Personal Time?

20.3% find communication with family helps maintain work boundaries

Finding balance between work and personal time depends on clear strategies:

 

 

 

 

The most effective way our audience of remote workers maintain separation between work and personal life is communication with family (20.3%). Keeping loved ones in the loop about work schedules helps set expectations and minimise disruptions during focused hours.

Time management tools (17%) also play a key role, helping workers structure their day efficiently. Similarly, having a designated workspace (14%) makes it easier to mentally switch between work and home life. Setting specific work hours (13.2%) further reinforces boundaries, creating a clear divide between professional and personal time.

Many also rely on task prioritisation (11.2%), ensuring essential work gets done without encroaching on personal time. Regular breaks (8.4%) and weekly planning (8.1%) help prevent burnout, while digital detoxing (6.4%) allows workers to fully disengage after hours.

Interestingly, only 1.4% emphasise the importance of setting clear boundaries, despite its importance in remote work success. Despite being widely publicised as good for you, end-of-day rituals (0%) receive no mention, suggesting many workers struggle to establish a formal end to their workday.

 

 

How Would You Describe Your Workload Overall?

33% remote workers have a manageable workload 

Remote workers enjoy flexibility in their workload, though some still struggle with balance and stress:

 

 

 

 

While remote workload differs depending on the profession, the vast majority of our audience (33%) describe their workload as manageable. However, only 12% call their workload overwhelming, and just 24% say it’s heavy.

 

What Are The Biggest Challenges To Achieving Better Work Life Balance?

37.2% say flexibility makes balancing work and life more complicated

While flexibility is a major perk of remote work, it creates new challenges in maintaining balance for many:

 

 

 

 

 Although it doesn’t differentiate between in-office and remote work, recent studies show that 70% of UK professionals struggle to ‘switch off’ from work. Our audience certainly agrees with this to a degree, with 37.2% saying the biggest challenge is that flexibility complicates balance (37.2%). While working remotely offers freedom, it can also blur the lines between professional and personal life, making it harder to switch off.

Interestingly, 18.6% say flexibility actually improves balance, showing that experiences vary depending on how well individuals manage their schedules. A manageable workload (9.6%) is also a key factor, as excessive demands can quickly disrupt work-life harmony.

Self-discipline (7.0%), access to resources (6.2%), and setting boundaries (5.9%) are also essential, with remote workers in our data seeming to highlight the importance of structure and support. Maintaining motivation (5.7%) presents another challenge, as working independently requires staying engaged without direct supervision.

Time zone difficulties (4.8%), distractions (2.4%), and difficulty setting boundaries (1.8%) further complicate remote work. Interestingly, only 0.7% cite lack of interaction as a challenge, and 0.0% report communication barriers, suggesting that staying connected isn’t a major concern for most.

 

 

What Signs If Any Of Burnout Since Working Remotely For This Employer?

72.6% remote workers experience physical symptoms of burnout

Burnout remains a serious concern for remote workers, with most experiencing noticeable effects on their health and wellbeing:

 

 

 

 

The hefty portion of remote workers in our study (72.6%) report physical symptoms of burnout, making it the most widespread issue. This suggests that prolonged screen time, sedentary routines, and blurred work-life boundaries take a tangible toll on health.

Decreased productivity (10.4%) is the second most common sign, showing that burnout doesn’t just affect wellbeing—it directly impacts performance. Social withdrawal (6.9%) is another key indicator, as remote work can sometimes lead to isolation.

Some workers experience disconnection (4.1%), lack of motivation (3.2%), or a general sense of feeling overwhelmed (2.8%), making it harder to stay engaged. Surprisingly, only 0.1% cite sleep disturbances, despite burnout often linked to disrupted rest.

 

 

What Does Your Employer Provide To Support Your Work Life Balance?

56.3% of employers provide remote work tools

Employers play a key role in work-life balance, with technology and flexibility being the most common forms of support:

 

 

 

 

The majority of our audience (56.3%) say their employer provides remote work tools, showing that companies prioritise giving employees the tech they need to do their jobs effectively. Flexible hours (11.4%) come next, though they aren’t offered across the board, meaning not everyone gets full control over their schedule.

Virtual team-building (10.7%) is another way employers support remote staff, helping them stay connected and engaged. 8.7% rate their employer’s overall support as excellent, though fewer report receiving additional perks. Wellness programs (3.9%), paid time off (3.8%), and generous stipends (2.8%) are less common, even though they could make a real difference in work-life balance.

Communication platforms (1.8%) don’t seem to be viewed as a major support measure, and mental health resources (0.7%) rank the lowest, suggesting that while companies focus on tools and flexibility, emotional wellbeing isn’t always a priority.

 

 

Where Do You Typically Work From?

43.1% remote workers primarily work from a home office

While working from home remains the most common workspace, many remote workers take advantage of flexible locations:

 

 

 

 

The home office (43.1%) is the top choice, giving workers a familiar and comfortable space to get things done. But a close-behind 39.4% prefer working from cafés.

Other spots are far less common. Hotels (3.9%) and libraries (3.9%) offer occasional workspaces, while co-working spaces (3.7%) appeal to those who like a mix of structure and social interaction.

Some take their flexibility even further—2.6% work from the beach, while 1.8% choose a family member’s house. A smaller 1.3% work from a park, and just 0.3% settle in at a friend’s house, proving that while remote work allows movement, most people still prefer a steady routine.

What Advice Would You Give To Employers Looking To Improve Work Life Balance For Remote Employees?

19.6% say allowing flexibility is the best way to support remote workers

Employers looking to improve work-life balance for remote teams should focus on flexibility, clear expectations, and meaningful support:

 

 

 

 

The top advice remote workers have for employers is simple: allow flexibility (19.6%). Giving employees control over their schedules helps them more effectively balance work and personal life. But flexibility alone isn’t enough. 17.9% stress the need for clear boundaries, ensuring work doesn’t bleed into personal time.

Team-building activities (15.2%) are another big recommendation. Encouraging breaks (9.5%) and providing access to resources (7.9%) also make a difference, ensuring employees can recharge and have the tools they need to succeed.

Some workers highlight the value of flexible policies (5.3%), technology support (5.1%), and recognition and rewards (4.6%), showing that structure, the right tools, and appreciation all play a role in job satisfaction. Open communication (4.4%) and clear communication (4.0%) are also key, along with regular check-ins (3.4%) to keep teams aligned.

Less frequently mentioned but still important are flexible hours (2.8%), cultural sensitivity training (0.2%), and mental health support (0.1%), suggesting that while flexibility is the priority, emotional wellbeing and inclusivity shouldn’t be overlooked.

 

 

How Are You Employed Or Contracted By Your Organization?

60.8% identify as remote workers

Remote work comes in many forms, with employees, freelancers, and contractors all finding ways to make it work for them:

 

 

 

 

In February 2025, Statista reported that approximately 14% of Great Britain workers worked exclusively from home. Yet, the highest number (60.8%) of our audience identify as remote workers, showing how much traditional employment has shifted toward a more flexible, location-independent model. 

However, not everyone follows the same career path. 15.3% are freelancers, while 7.6% work on a temporary basis, taking on short-term roles. Others have carved out their own way of working. 4.6% are self-employed, while 4.4% work as contractors. As few as 3% are part-time employees, blending work with other commitments, and 2% consult for businesses in specialised roles.

Even interns get in on remote work, with 1.1% describing themselves as “happy interns.” Gig workers (0.7%) and full-time employees (0.5%) are the least represented, showing that while remote work has grown, many companies still lean towards more flexible or freelance arrangements.

 

 

Which Country Do You Currently Live In?

18.3% of remote overseas workers are based in the United States

Remote work is truly global, with professionals from a wide mix of countries embracing flexible working:

 

 

 

 

The United States (18.3%) has the largest share of remote workers in our data, illustrating how widespread flexible work has become. Germany (16.7%) and Ireland (14.8%) follow closely, reflecting strong remote work adoption across Europe. Canada (14.3%) and the Netherlands (12.4%) aren’t far behind, reinforcing the trend in Western economies.

Remote work is also growing in other regions. The Philippines, which ranks as the seventh fastest-growing global remote work hub, accounts for 6.8% of our audience, while India (6%) has a sizable remote workforce, likely driven by global demand for skilled professionals.

A smaller percentage of respondents live in New Zealand (4.7%), Australia (2.3%), and the United Kingdom (1.9%), suggesting traditional office roles may still be more common in these countries. South Africa (1.8%) rounds out the list, showing that remote work opportunities continue to expand worldwide.

 

 

Where Is Your Employer Primarily Located?

60% remote workers employed by companies based in Australia

Remote work is spread across the globe, with some surprising showings in our data:

 

 

 

 

Given that about 22.5 million Americans, making up 13.8 percent of the entire U.S. workforce, worked primarily from home in 2023, it’s intriguing that only 3.5% of remote workers in our data are employed by companies based in North America.

Australia stands out as the #1 employer nation, employing 60.0% of remote workers in our audience. Europe (18.9%) and Africa (17.7%) follow, reflecting the global nature of remote work.

 

 

Which Of The Following Best Describes Your Role?

38.8% of remote workers are software developers

Remote work attracts professionals from a variety of fields, and these are the ones our audience predominantly work in:

 

 

 

 

The majority of remote workers in our study are software developers (38.8%), showing that tech roles are a major driver of remote work. HR specialists (18.9%) come in second, highlighting that human resources has adapted well to remote setups. Data analysts (11.2%) and project managers (8.7%) also comprise significant portions of the remote workforce, reflecting roles requiring organisation and problem-solving.

Smaller groups include consultants (7.3%), graphic designers (5.5%), and digital marketers (3.8%), showing that creative and strategic roles are also thriving remotely. Meanwhile, customer support (3.2%) and sales representatives (2.1%) are less common in remote environments, and content writers (0.6%) make up the smallest group.

 

Income

38.2% remote workers earn between $200,000 and $500,000

Remote workers earn a wide range of salaries, with many earning solid mid to high-range incomes:

 

 

 

 

In July 2024, ZipRecruiter reported that remote workers took home an average of  $61,178 per year. However, our global audience largely exceeds this, with the largest group (38.2%) earning between $200,000 and $500,000 annually. 18.4% fall in the $120,000 to $200,000 range, which still reflects a comfortable salary, while 14.3% make between $80,000 and $120,000, suggesting a solid middle-class earning potential.

Smaller percentages fall into the lower-income ranges that match ZipRecruiter’s average, with 15.9% earning between $40,000 and $80,000, and 2.4% earning under $40,000. While the high earners make up a smaller portion (0.8%), the data shows that remote work can offer a wide range of income levels, with many in the middle to upper salary brackets.

Overall, our audience responses show that while remote work offers flexibility and freedom, it also comes with challenges like blurred boundaries and burnout. As work continues to evolve, so should the ways we approach work-life balance.

 

 

Methodology

Sourced from an independent sample of 78,150 remote overseas workers expressing opinions online across X, Quora, Reddit, LinkedIn, TikTok and Threads. Responses are collected within an 85% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error.

About the Representative Sample

• 60.2% of remote overseas workers are ages 45 and older.
• 56.4% of remote overseas workers identify as female.