Top Ten Countries With Longest Working Hours Per Week

The concept of the longest working hours per week is crucial when discussing productivity, work-life balance, and the overall well-being of a nation’s workforce. Around the world, certain countries are known for having significantly longer working hours, driven by a range of factors such as economic necessity, cultural work ethics, or government policies.

While some may argue that longer working hours boost economic output, others raise concerns about the potential effects on mental and physical health. In this blog, we’ll explore the top ten countries with the longest working hours per week, and delve into how extended work hours impact individuals, including those in India.

The idea of the longest working hours per week varies from country to country, with some nations averaging more than 50 hours a week. For instance, Bhutan, which tops the list, has an average of 54.4 hours per week, followed by countries in the Middle East and Africa, where the nature of employment and social structures demand longer hours.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at 50.9 hours, driven by its booming economy and high-paced job market, while Lesotho, a small African nation, has an average of 50.4 hours per week.

Moreover, countries like Congo and Qatar also make the list, with averages of 48.6 and 48 hours, respectively. These long working hours can be attributed to both economic growth and the specific sectors dominating their workforce, such as oil production, mining, or manual labor.

In many of these countries, a combination of labor-intensive jobs, limited workforce, and economic pressure contribute to this trend of the longest working hours per week.

In this context, it is important to recognize that long working hours are not exclusive to developing nations. For instance, Lebanon and Jordan, with work weeks averaging 47.6 and 47 hours respectively, also fall within this category. As work demands increase across various sectors, these countries continue to exhibit high work pressure.

Countries like Mongolia and Mauritania also show high work averages, further highlighting how different geographic and socio-economic factors contribute to the longest working hours per week.

Top Ten Countries with the Longest Working Hours Per Week

Rank	Country	Average Weekly Hours Worked
1	Bhutan	54.4
2	United Arab Emirates	50.9
3	Lesotho	50.4
4	Congo	48.6
5	Qatar	48.0
6	Liberia	47.7
7	Mauritania	47.6
8	Lebanon	47.6
9	Mongolia	47.3
10	Jordan	47.0

India’s Working Hours per Week

While India doesn’t make the top ten, its average of 46.7 working hours per week is still relatively high. Driven by its growing economy, diverse job sectors, and a massive population, India’s workforce operates in varied industries, from IT to agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

The large workforce, combined with the need to compete globally, has resulted in extended working hours, especially in urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Many employees in corporate sectors, especially IT and BPO services, often work longer hours to meet international demands and deadlines.

Despite the economic benefits of long working hours, there is a growing awareness in India about the adverse effects it can have on employee health and productivity. Labor laws in India regulate the number of working hours, but overtime and high-pressure work environments often push individuals beyond the regulated limits.

Effects of Long Working Hours on Body and Mind

Working extended hours can have serious consequences for both the body and mind. Physically, long working hours are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged sitting or standing positions. Chronic fatigue, sleep deprivation, and a weakened immune system are also common among individuals working the longest working hours per week.

Mentally, long working hours are associated with stress, anxiety, and burnout. The pressure to meet deadlines, manage workloads, and perform in high-pressure environments can lead to mental exhaustion.

Research has shown that people who work more than 48 hours per week are more likely to experience depression and decreased job satisfaction, which, in turn, affects overall productivity. A lack of work-life balance is one of the leading causes of mental health issues among employees worldwide, leading to reduced creativity and lower morale.

The longest working hours per week can have a profound impact on individuals and their societies. While long hours might be a necessity in some economies to drive productivity, it is important for nations and employers to consider the health and well-being of their workforce.

Sustainable work practices that prioritize mental and physical health, alongside economic growth, are key to ensuring long-term success and stability. For countries like India, balancing economic demands with employee well-being is essential for creating a more productive, healthy, and happy workforce.