Surprisingly, Vanuatu has the shortest workweek globally at just 24.7 hours, while Bhutan shockingly leads with 61% of workers putting in over 49 hours weekly.
"Key Highlights:
1. Vanuatu has the shortest workweek globally.
2. Bhutan ranks highest for long working hours.
3. Global work hour disparities affect well-being and balance."
"Vanuatu, a small country in Oceania, has the shortest average working hours in the world, according to a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). On average, employees in Vanuatu work just 24.7 hours per week. Only 4% of its workers put in more than 49 hours weekly, a stark contrast to global working patterns.
Kiribati comes in second, with an average of 27.3 work hours per week.
Following Kiribati, Micronesia averages 30.5 hours per worker per week. Other countries with low average work hours include Rwanda (30.4), Somalia (31.5), the Netherlands (31.6), Iraq (31.7), and Canada (32.1). Australia (32.3) and New Zealand (33.0) also made the list.
Countries with the Longest Work Hours:
On the other hand, Bhutan tops the list of countries with the highest percentage of workers putting in long hours. About 61% of Bhutan's workforce works more than 49 hours per week. Bangladesh (47%) and Pakistan (40%) also report high numbers of overworked employees.
In India, 51% of the workforce works more than 49 hours a week, placing it second in terms of extended working hours. Other countries with high weekly work hours include the UAE (50.9 hours) and Lesotho (50.4 hours).
In contrast, countries like the Netherlands (31.6 hours) and Norway (33.7 hours) show a healthier balance between work and life, with fewer hours spent working each week.
India’s high percentage of overworked employees raises concerns about work-life balance and mental health. As more than half of the workforce works long hours, there is growing pressure to create better working conditions that support both health and productivity."
