The Countries with the Longest Working Hours: Where Does India Stand?

Introduction

Recent debates in India have reignited discussions on work-life balance, fueled by remarks from prominent business leaders advocating for extended work hours. Larsen & Toubro’s chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, suggested a 90-hour workweek to maintain global competitiveness. Similarly, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy and Shaadi.com CEO Anupam Mittal have supported the idea of longer working hours.

India’s Current Work Hour Scenario

Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that India already ranks high in terms of average weekly work hours. Indian workers clock in an average of 46.7 hours per week, with over 51% of employees working 49 hours or more weekly. This places India 13th globally for long work hours.

Top 10 Countries with Longest Working Hours

Here are the countries with the longest average work hours per week, according to ILO data:

1. Bhutan: 54.4 hours


2. United Arab Emirates (UAE): 50.9 hours


3. Lesotho: 50.4 hours


4. Congo: 48.6 hours


5. Qatar: 48 hours


6. Liberia: 47.7 hours


7. Mauritania: 47.6 hours


8. Lebanon: 47.6 hours


9. Mongolia: 47.3 hours


10. Jordan: 47 hours



India, with its 46.7 hours per week, narrowly misses this list.

Countries with Shortest Working Hours

In stark contrast, some countries boast significantly shorter workweeks. The lowest average work hours are recorded in:

Vanuatu: 24.7 hours

Kiribati: 27.3 hours

Micronesia: 30.4 hours


Implications of Long Working Hours

Health Risks

Excessive work hours are linked to stress, fatigue, and chronic health issues.

Productivity Challenges

While longer hours may appear beneficial for productivity, overwork often leads to burnout, reducing efficiency in the long run.

Work-Life Balance

Extended work schedules disrupt personal life, affecting mental well-being and family relationships.

Conclusion

The conversation around extended work hours must account for their broader implications. Striking a balance between economic growth and employee well-being is vital for sustainable development. Leaders and policymakers need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before advocating for longer workweeks.