India stands 2nd in the list of countries with the highest working hours

As conversations around mental health, well-being, and productivity grow, more countries are rethinking the traditional long workweek.

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | April 15, 2025 06:30 PM IST

3 min read

While many countries strive to find the right balance between work and life, Vanuatu stands out as a symbol of simplicity, proving that less can indeed be more (Freepik)

Imagine a place where the rhythm of life flows at a pace so relaxed that work fits harmoniously around the ebb and flow of daily living. Vanuatu, a tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean, isn’t just known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage; it also boasts the shortest average workweek in the world at 24.7 hours. This laid-back approach to work, deeply rooted in the island’s culture, allows its residents to prioritise family, community, and personal well-being over long hours at the office.

While many countries strive to find the right balance between work and life, Vanuatu stands out as a symbol of simplicity, proving that less can indeed be more. The nation’s philosophy contrasts sharply with countries like India, where the average work week is 46.7 hours. For the last year or so, the topic of work-life balance has been thrown to the fore multiple times, now even more so after the death of EY employee Anna Perayil.

A report by the International Labour Organisation reveals that India and several South Asian countries have a disproportionately high number of workers putting in excessive hours. Bhutan leads the world with 61 per cent of its workforce working more than 49 hours per week. Bangladesh and Pakistan follow closely behind, with 47 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

A report by the International Labour Organisation reveals that India and several South Asian countries have a disproportionately high number of workers putting in excessive hours (File)

India ranks second in this regard, with around 51 per cent of its workforce working over 49 hours weekly. Other countries with high percentages of workers putting in long hours include the UAE and Lesotho.

These findings highlight a significant issue in the region, where a large portion of the workforce is burdened with excessive working hours. This can have negative implications for employee health, well-being, and productivity.

As conversations around mental health, well-being, and productivity grow, more countries are rethinking the traditional long workweek. Iceland recently trialed a four-day workweek with great success, finding that not only did productivity remain stable or even increase, but workers reported improved well-being. Spain and New Zealand have also experimented with similar initiatives, fueling the global movement toward reduced work hours.

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