15 Countries With The Shortest Working Hours in the World

We have also discussed the growing popularity of a four day work-week.

A report reveals that 89% of British companies from the largest trial of a four-day working week have made the policy permanent, with 51% permanently adopting the shorter workweek. The study, conducted one year after the trial, highlights positive impacts on organizations, with 55% of CEOs describing it as “very positive” and 82% reporting improved staff wellbeing. 

However, concerns arise in firms where an additional day off is conditionally provided, leading to stress and feelings of inequity among employees. Despite this, London ranks as the No. 2 most-visited city globally in 2023. Director of research at Autonomy, Will Stronge, emphasizes the sustained benefits observed one year post-trial, including improved health and work-life balance.

Across Europe, the trend of reduced working hours is evident, with median hours worked per employee remaining below 37 hours per week. This decline reflects a long-term trend dating back to the 19th century, with working hours in developed economies steadily decreasing. The reduction is especially pronounced among young people, men, and men with young children, with personal preferences and increased education enrollment cited as contributing factors. Moreover, the IMF study reveals that the decline in working hours is more pronounced in wealthier countries, suggesting an income effect over the substitution effect in determining labor supply. 

It is also worth noting that the longest working hours in the world per day are observed in Mexico with 2128 annual hours worked in an year. Hence, Mexico is often called the hardest working country in the world. 

We also know that the future of work in 2024 is shaped by data-driven insights as trends indicate a major shift towards flexibility and support for mental health. A study analyzing 9,360 job ads, 2.7 million searches, and 27,880 worker preferences revealed an increase in interest for shorter workweeks, with searches for four-day week jobs increasing by 68% since February 2023. Employers are also adapting, as evidenced by a 400% rise in jobs offering compressed workweeks in Q4 2023 compared to the previous year.

Furthermore, one in three workers now seeks jobs with mental health support, signalling a growing awareness of the importance of well-being in the workplace. As the demand for flexibility continues, companies are expected to adopt hybrid models, with an average job ad in 2023 asking for just 1 to 2 days of in-office work.

Two companies with a strong focus on employee well-being and mental health are Unilever Plc (NYSE:UL) and Juniper Networks, Inc (NYSE:JNPR). 

Unilever Plc’s commitment to employee well-being is deeply ingrained in its culture and operations, evident in the extensive efforts dedicated to fostering a healthy work environment. With over 57,000 employees benefiting from the ‘Discover your Purpose’ workshop, the company empowers individuals to align personal purpose with professional growth, thereby enhancing engagement and well-being. Furthermore, mental health support is prioritized, recognizing its critical role in overall wellness, with almost 4,000 employees trained as mental health champions, indicating a proactive approach to breaking stigma and providing peer support.

Unilever Plc’s holistic approach to well-being extends beyond individual support to encompass team dynamics, as showcased by the Team Energy Assessment tool, utilized by over 16,500 employees, facilitating discussions on physical, emotional, mental, and purposeful well-being within teams. Moreover, Unilever Plc’s dedication to occupational health is evident in its rigorous occupational health services, with a steady decline in Occupational Illness Frequency Rate (OIFR) since 2017, now standing at an impressive 0.10 per million hours worked in 2022. 

By focusing on a supportive workplace culture, promoting mental health awareness, and implementing comprehensive occupational health programs, Unilever Plc demonstrates a strong commitment to employee well-being, fostering a conducive environment where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally. 

On the other hand, Juniper Networks, Inc employs a multifaceted approach to prioritize mental health within its organization. Across the company, they actively promote mental wellness, backed by comprehensive efforts. These include providing a variety of easily accessible mental health support tools and resources. Notably, since the launch of the TaskHuman app in 2021,  Juniper Networks, Inc employees globally have engaged in over 4 million minutes of coaching on the platform.

In addition to global initiatives,  Juniper Networks, Inc tailors its efforts to regional needs. For instance, they have relaunched their APAC benefits with a renewed focus on health and wellness, emphasizing the “Be Well. Making Your Health and Wellness a Priority” message. Moreover,  Juniper Networks, Inc  recently organized its first APAC Wellness Fair. 

To sustain their efforts,  Juniper Networks, Inc  conducts regular health and wellness webinars and offers unique benefits like the Optum Employee Assistance Program, ensuring comprehensive, 24/7 support for employees facing mental health challenges. Furthermore,  Juniper Networks, Inc continually seeks feedback through annual employee-wide voice surveys, allowing them to understand employees’ needs and prioritize mental health initiatives accordingly.

Our Methodology

To list the countries with the shortest working hours in the world, we relied on Ourworldindata’s database on average annual work hours per person in 2019. The list is presented in a descending order.

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15. Argentina

Average Annual Work Hours: 1609

Despite low working hours, the country benefits from abundant natural resources, a highly educated population, a diverse industrial base, and a flourishing export-oriented agricultural sector. Argentina has the third-largest economy in Latin America and the second-largest in South America. It is one of the countries with the shortest work hours.

14. Sweden

Average Annual Work Hours: 1605

Despite the shorter work weeks, Sweden’s productivity remains competitive compared to other EU nations. Sweden also provides abundant amenities for families. With amenities such as pram ramps, playgrounds, and designated park sections for children, the country offers numerous public spaces and features to cater to the needs of the whole family. It is one of the countries that work the least. 

13. Slovenia

Average Annual Work Hours: 1593

In Slovenia, the average household net-adjusted disposable income per capita is $25,250 annually, below the OECD average of $30,490. Employment rates are favorable, with 71% of people aged 15 to 64 having paid jobs, surpassing the OECD average of 66%. However, gender disparities persist, with 74% of men compared to 68% of women in paid work. 

12. Finland

Average Annual Work Hours: 1591

Finland has a high employment rate, with 72% of individuals aged 15 to 64 in paid jobs, surpassing the OECD average of 66%. Gender-wise, 74% of men and 71% of women are engaged in paid work. Notably, only 4% of employees in Finland work very long hours, significantly lower than the OECD average of 10%. 

11. Belgium

Average Annual Work Hours: 1586

Similar to Finland, only 4% of employees in Belgium work very long hours with men at 6% and women at 3%. It is one of the best countries to live and work in 2024. 

Belgium leads Europe in work-life balance, with over half (53%) of Belgians content with their equilibrium between professional and personal life, according to a survey by SD Worx. Despite this, 19% believe there’s room for improvement. 

10. Switzerland

Average Annual Work Hours: 1557

Swiss work norms often involve Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 17:30. Yet, some Swiss companies are trying shorter workweeks, with employees working four longer days. This experiment aims to enhance productivity. 

9. Ecuador

Average Annual Work Hours: 1552

As per local labor regulations, employees are typically permitted to work up to eight hours per day, with overtime being the exception for exceeding this limit. In a standard 5-day work week, employees are generally allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours, excluding overtime. 

8. Uruguay

Average Annual Work Hours: 1533

Owing to the low working hours in the country, it is considered one of the least-hardworking countries in the world. Nevertheless, Uruguay has a highly educated workforce, with a 97% literacy rate, the highest in Latin America. However, racial and gender disparities persist. Black Uruguayans face a 1.5 times higher unemployment rate and earn 20 percent less than their white counterparts. Women, despite legal equality, encounter discrimination in employment and wages, receiving only 65 percent of men’s pay in similar roles.

7. Luxembourg

Average Annual Work Hours: 1506

Luxembourg has a strong economy with high productivity levels, allowing workers to achieve more in less time. The government focuses on quality over quantity, promoting efficiency and employee well-being. Generous social benefits and strong labor laws ensure adequate rest periods and vacation time. 

Apart from being one of the countries with the highest salaries, it is also one of the countries with the lowest full-time hours.

6. France

Average Annual Work Hours: 1505

Based on OECD statistics, individuals in France enjoy an average of 16.2 hours daily for personal and leisure activities, ranking second only to Italy in this regard. France holds the third position on the Remote’s list for work-life balance, having one of the highest statutory annual leave days (36). France is also one of the countries with the lowest working hours in Europe.

5. Iceland

Average Annual Work Hours: 1454

In Iceland, approximately 85% of workers have embraced a four-day workweek, a noteworthy departure from the traditional five-day norm. This shift hasn’t led to a decrease in pay; instead, it has resulted in increased productivity and well-being among employees. Trials of this shortened workweek have been hailed as overwhelmingly successful, prompting discussions about its feasibility in other countries like the United States. 

It is worth highlighting that shorter work weeks have broader societal implications. It can promote gender equality by encouraging men to take on more domestic responsibilities. Additionally, it fosters greater collective experiences and allows people to pursue interests outside of their jobs. From an environmental perspective, a reduction in working hours could contribute significantly to efforts to combat climate change by reducing emissions associated with commuting and workplace energy consumption.

4. Netherlands

Average Annual Work Hours: 1440

In response to evolving employment dynamics, Dutch legislation for 2024 and 2025 has introduced critical reforms. Notably, measures have been introducing to fight sham self-employment, ensuring fair treatment for workers. Proposed laws establish a presumption of employment for those earning below €32.24 ($35.29) per hour, safeguarding rights like minimum wage and sick pay. Effective from July 2025, these changes bear major implications for both employers and freelancers, reshaping employment and tax landscapes.

Additionally, reforms target sick leave policies, particularly benefiting small to medium-sized businesses. Proposed amendments allow such enterprises to focus solely on external reintegration, easing the burden of internal reintegration efforts.

3. Germany

Average Annual Work Hours: 1386

Starting from March 4, 2024, all employees in Germany are required by law to officially record their working hours. This mandate follows a ruling from Germany’s Federal Labour Court (BAG), aimed at ensuring accurate tracking of work hours. Employers must establish a time tracking system to facilitate this process, enabling employees to log their actual hours worked. The introduction of this system responds to concerns regarding unpaid overtime, with statistics indicating a significant amount of unpaid work in the country. The new regulation applies universally, ending previous trust-based arrangements between employers and employees, except for specific cases such as minimum wage employees and certain industries with exploitative practices.

2. Norway

Average Annual Work Hours: 1384

Norway has an exceptional work-life balance, with merely 1% of workers working for extensive hours. Full-time employees allocate 65% of their day, roughly 15.7 hours, to personal leisure and care. Additionally, the country stands out for its top-tier education system.

1. Denmark

Average Annual Work Hours: 1381

Denmark’s emphasis on work-life balance stems from a cultural and legislative framework designed to prioritize personal time and well-being. With only 1% of employees working over 50 hours per week, Danish workers enjoy significantly fewer hours compared to countries like Italy and the OECD average. This commitment to balanced living is reflected in the generous 36 days of statutory annual leave provided, one of the highest among wealthy countries. Additionally, Denmark’s Flexjobs scheme, introduced in 1998, allows workers to request alternative work hours, patterns, or less physically demanding tasks, further accommodating individual needs and preferences while maintaining productivity. It is the country with the shortest working hours in the world.

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This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.