The debate over work-life balance has gained momentum in global discussions about productivity, employee health, and labor practices. While nations are embracing this shorter work week to enhance welfare, others extend their working hours, affecting the health and effectiveness of workers. A closer analysis of countries having the shortest work weeks shows differences in the different cultural and economic approaches to work.
Top 10 countries with shortest work weeks
According to the International Labour Organization, several countries prioritize work-life balance through shorter workweeks. Here are the top 10 countries with the lowest average weekly working hours:
[Source - TOI]
Vanuatu:
Vanuatu leads the chart with an average workweek of 24.7 hours, thereby giving its working population sufficient time for personal pursuits and rest. Only 4% of employees work 49 hours or more per week. This is another indication of high regard for employees' welfare.
Kiribati:
Kiribati follows closely, averaging a workweek of 27.3 hours. Although 10% of its workforce works more than 49 hours every week, the country is preserving a healthier harmony to match up with a quality life.
Micronesia:
Working on an average of 30.4 hours per week, only 2% of the workforce in Micronesia works long hours. This reflects a 'path of sustainability' the country has taken in preserving a harmonious work-life dynamic.
Rwanda and Somalia:
Rwanda and Somalia, with average workweeks of 30.4 and 31.4 hours respectively, indicate efforts in the direction of sustainable work. Even a few hundred thousand work over extended hours, most people benefit from more reasonable schedules.
Netherlands:
Dutch workers have a 31.6-hour average workweek, during which only 6 percent of the employees work more than 49 hours every week. That makes it a model for the entire world in terms of balancing economic requirements with personal well-being.
Iraq, Wallis & Futuna:
Iraq had 31.7 hours/week of work, and Wallis & Futuna recorded 31.8 hours/week as the average work hour of their respective populations, who they hardly forced to undertake longer working hours.
Ethiopia and Canada
Ethiopia and Canada complete the list with average workweeks of 31.9 and 32.1 hours respectively. Ethiopia has a larger percentage of overworked employees, at 15%, but still is improving the labor standards for its workers.
Where does India stand?
India is one of the world's most overworked countries, ranking 13th, with an average workweek of 46.7 hours. More than 51% of Indian workers work 49 hours or more per week, ranking India second globally for extended working hours.
The long work culture has been linked to employee health and productivity issues, making a shorter workweek a pressing need.
Global view on work hours
The variation in work hours across the globe reflects different cultural and economic perspectives. While some countries are taking the lead in mainstreaming work-life balance, others face issues with the limitations of working hours. The focus on shorter working hours is increasingly being realized as a method to improve productivity and employee well-being.