In a society that embraces “hustle culture” to the fullest, many of us feel overworked with little hope of respite from our demanding jobs and daily duties. Importunate bosses push us to our limits, asking us to work long outside of the usual 9 to 5 and sending work emails on our off days. Even our hobbies have been stolen from us, as guilt begins to creep in when we realize we could—even should—be monetizing our creativity.
The rat race is soul-sucking; if you’re sick of it, you’re not alone. “Companies with the best work-life balance” has been one of the most frequently trending phrases on websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
Whether they intend to better the lives of their employees or don’t want to lose their share of the workforce to greener pastures, companies have taken notice.
If you, like many others, don’t want your job to consume your entire life, read on. In no particular order, these are the companies with the best work-life balance in 2023, according to employee reports.
1. Dropbox
Employee Rating: 4.6 / 5 
Co-founded in 2007 by MIT students Arash Ferdowsi and Drew Houston (current CEO), Dropbox offers users a collaborative file-hosting service that is used by more than 15 million businesses and individuals. Based in San Francisco, CA, Dropbox is valued at roughly $7.5 billion.
Like many tech companies, Dropbox features fun and aesthetically pleasing offices with many perks. Despite some gripes, current and former employees report that Dropbox is one of the companies with the best work-life balance due to its healthy company culture, abundant paid time off, and flexible hours.
2. Microsoft
Employee Rating: 4.5 / 5
Despite being one of the biggest technological names, Microsoft works hard to ensure its employees don’t work too hard. With multiple locations worldwide, Microsoft employs more than 200,000 people with a wide salary range.
Microsoft employees report an excellent work-life balance, but there is one caveat, as aptly worded by one reviewer: “You get what you put in”. Though hours are flexible and time off is encouraged, developers may spend extra time working on projects to move up in the company.
3. IBM
Employee Rating: 4 / 5
Next on our list is the International Business Machines Corporation, better known as IBM. With over 250,000 employees, IBM is the world’s most significant technological research organization.
Though employees report different experiences depending on the location, the majority of reviewers rave about IBM being one of the companies with the best work-life balance. They note flexible hours, relaxed management, and readily approved paid time off. However, many feel the company is rather impersonal.
4. Lockheed Martin
Employee Rating: 4.1 / 5
Not to be outdone by the tech bros and their in-office slides, global security and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin is rated as one of the companies with the best work-life balance. However, if you’re a pacifist, this company may not be a great fit. As the world’s largest defense contractor, Lockheed Martin is a major arms supplier to military forces worldwide.
Current and former employees have plenty of complaints about their time at Lockheed Martin, but few have gripes about their work-life balance. Many positions require a level of clearance, so these employees can keep their personal life and work completely separate.
5. Fidelity Investments
Employee Rating: 4.3 / 5
Though sensationalized tales like The Wolf of Wall Street have led people to believe that investment banking is a 24/7 lifestyle, Fidelity Investments proves this could not be further from the truth. Founded in 1946, Fidelity Investments handles more than $4.5 trillion of assets across its global offices.
Workaholics may spend more time in the office than others, but current and former employees report that working at Fidelity Investments is similar to a typical bank job: reasonable hours, plenty of paid time off, and a bevy of holidays off.
Bonus Answer: Be Your Own Boss
Employee Rating: That’s up to you!
If you’re looking to escape your demanding job and take your work-life balance into your own hands, consider being your own boss. As companies are shifting back to on-site work, employees are missing the remote lifestyle they became accustomed to during the throes of the pandemic and are taking matters into their own hands.
Though this can’t be done for every position, if you’re skilled at what you do, consider becoming a consultant and working with companies on an as-needed basis, on your own time.
Freelancing is a fantastic option if you have a marketable skill or hobby (that you don’t mind monetizing—some things are OK to keep for yourself!). This way, you aren’t working for a company. The company is your client.
Have a knack for e-commerce? The internet is your oyster.
Perhaps you have an eye for vintage clothes—why not start your own online shop and sell your valuable thrift finds? If you’re knowledgeable about antique and rare books or have a home library that needs downsizing, tools like BookScouter Pro can help you make money flipping books without risking capital by owning your own bookstore. Feel free to read our article on How to Find the Value of Old Books, which can help boost your profits when selling books.
There is only one major downside to being your own boss: if you don’t set boundaries for yourself, clients, and customers, your work-life balance will be non-existent.
This is true for any job, but it is especially the case when running your own business. To ensure you’re a good boss—even if you are your only employee—set business hours, stick to them, and give yourself ample time off.
