SAEDNEWS: A report ranks the 20 countries with the longest average weekly working hours in 2024, led by Bhutan at 54.4 hours and highlighting the global challenges of overwork on health and productivity.
According to SAEDNEWS, Although long working hours are a global challenge, some countries hold unfortunate records in this regard. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the average weekly working hours in some of these countries exceed 50 hours, which can have serious implications for workers' physical and mental health. This issue not only reduces employees' quality of life but also negatively affects productivity, innovation, and the competitiveness of companies.
Excessive work hours not only impact workers but also place a heavy burden on societies and economies. Problems related to burnout, including depression, chronic illnesses, and even the risk of premature death, can impose significant financial strain on healthcare systems. Addressing the culture of overwork is thus essential not only for maintaining a healthy workforce but also for ensuring economic sustainability and growth.
Rank | Country | Average Weekly Working Hours |
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 |
11 | Bangladesh | 46.9 |
12 | Pakistan | 46.9 |
13 | India | 46.7 |
14 | Maldives | 46.5 |
15 | Burkina Faso | 46.3 |
16 | China | 46.1 |
17 | Macau, China | 46.0 |
18 | Brunei | 46.0 |
19 | Kenya | 45.6 |
20 | Senegal | 45.5 |
To rank the countries with the longest working hours globally, data from the International Labour Organization was utilized. This database specifies the average weekly working hours per employed individual as of January 2024. The list is presented in ascending order of average weekly hours.
