Top 10 Countries With Longest Work Hours: Where Does India Stand?
The debate over long work hours has resurfaced as prominent leaders like Larsen & Toubro chairman SN Subrahmanyan suggest extending workweeks to a staggering 90 hours. While these comments sparked controversy, they shed light on India’s already high standing in the global overwork spectrum. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), India ranks 13th among the world’s most overworked countries. With 46.7 average working hours per week, and over half of its workforce clocking 49 or more hours, India faces a persistent culture of extended work schedules.
Top 10 Countries With Longest Work Hours
Bhutan
Holding the top spot, employees in Bhutan work an average of 54.4 hours per week, highlighting their relentless work ethic despite the country’s small population.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Workers in the UAE commit to 50.9 hours weekly, fueling the nation’s economic ambitions.
Lesotho
Known for its textile industry, Lesotho secures the third position with employees working 50.4 hours weekly.
Congo
In Congo, the workweek averages 48.6 hours, placing the country fourth on the list.
Qatar
Employees in Qatar clock in 48 hours a week as the nation continues its rapid infrastructure development.
Liberia
Ranked sixth, workers in Liberia dedicate 47.7 hours weekly to drive economic growth.
Mauritania
Employees here average 47.6 hours per week, sharing the spotlight with Lebanon.
Lebanon
Matching Mauritania, Lebanon’s workforce puts in 47.6 hours weekly amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Mongolia
With an average workweek of 47.3 hours, Mongolia stands ninth in the ILO ranking.
Jordan
Concluding the top 10, Jordan’s employees work an average of 47 hours weekly.
India’s Position
India’s 13th-place ranking reflects its significant contribution to the global overwork landscape. Despite heated debates about pushing limits further, Indian employees are already among the world’s hardest-working, with a growing concern about maintaining work-life balance.
Countries With the Least Work Hours
In contrast, Vanuatu emerges as the country with the shortest workweeks, averaging just 24.7 hours. Kiribati (27.3 hours) and Micronesia (30.4 hours) follow suit, epitomizing balanced work lives.
As the discourse on work-life balance gains traction globally, countries like India face the challenge of reconciling productivity demands with employee well-being. The rankings underscore the diverse approaches to work hours worldwide, offering food for thought on sustainable work practices.