5 Countries With The Shortest Working Hours in the World

In this article, we will look at the 5 countries with the shortest working hours in the world. We have also discussed the growing popularity of a four day work-week in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 15 Countries With the Shortest Working Hours in the World.

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.