Countries with the Longest Working Hours: A Growing Concern
Countries with the Longest Working Hours: A Growing Concern
Work-life balance, mental health and corporate cultures under scrutiny
In the wake of the tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an Ernst & Young (EY) employee in India, a spotlight has been cast on toxic workplace cultures, overwork. The impact of long working hours, is become a growing concern. Anna’s untimely demise has ignited a debate about excessive work demands in corporate India and globally. As concerns mount, the central government has launched a probe, with the Labour Ministry taking up an official complaint on the matter.
The Toll of Overwork
Countries with long working hours often report high levels of stress, burnout and reduced productivity. The tragedy surrounding Anna’s death has spurred widespread discussions on social media, with many sharing personal experiences of unrelenting pressure in their jobs.
Governments and employers around the world are being urged to prioritize the well-being of their workers by promoting healthier work-life balance policies. The issue has once again brought attention to countries where excessive working hours are normalized.
Countries with the Longest Working Hours (Per Week)
Here’s a list of countries known for some of the longest working hours in the world, where employees often work more than 50 hours a week:
• Bhutan
Employees in Bhutan work more than 50 hours per week, marking some of the longest working hours in the world despite the country’s small population of 700,000.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE, with its rapidly growing economy, sees workers averaging 52.6 hours per week, driven by the need to fuel continuous economic growth.
• Malaysia
In Malaysia, particularly in the manufacturing sector, employees clock 52.2 hours per week. The country’s diverse economy places heavy demands on workers.
• Singapore
Known for its financial and manufacturing industries, Singapore sees employees working 51.9 hours per week, reflecting the high-pressure environment.
• Taiwan
With a focus on technology and manufacturing, Taiwan reports average working hours of 51.5 hours per week for its workers.
• South Korea
South Korea’s highly developed economy also demands long hours, with employees working 51.4 hours per week, particularly in tech and manufacturing sectors.
India
Although not as high as others, India still sees an average of 46.7 hours per week, with concerns about overwork in many industries, especially in high-stakes corporate environments.
Call for Action
As conversations around mental health, employee well-being and toxic workplace cultures grow louder, employers and policymakers are under pressure to find solutions that safeguard workers’ rights and promote healthier work environments.
