In this article, we will look at the 5 most overworked countries in Asia. We have also discussed the dire consequences of overworking in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 20 Most Overworked Countries in Asia.
5. Mongolia
Average Hours Per Employed Person: 47.3
The culture of overworking in Mongolia manifests in alarming statistics reflecting mental health challenges. With a prevalence of 9.9% for anxiety, 4.9% for depression, and 18.3% for brain overwork, it highlights a pervasive issue in the population. This nationwide study conducted in 2020 encompassed 613 participants, revealing correlations between anxiety, depression, and symptoms of brain overwork. The latter, characterized by excessive cognitive activity, emotional hypervigilance, and restless behavior, was notably associated with factors like youth, unemployment, low income, and alcohol use. These findings underscore the profound impact of overworking culture on mental well-being, demanding effective interventions to mitigate its prevalence and associated risk factors.
Despite limited recent data, Mongolia’s historical context and rapid societal changes hint at a growing mental health crisis. Factors like political transitions, urbanization, and economic turbulence likely exacerbate stressors contributing to mental distress. The study’s utilization of validated assessment tools like the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the newly developed Brain Overwork Scale (BOS-10) offers insights into both emotional and cognitive dimensions of mental health.
4. Lebanon
Average Hours Per Employed Person: 47.6
Overwork culture in Lebanon has been on the rise, fueled by societal pressures and economic instability. Moreover, 25% of professionals endure burnout, working the equivalent of multiple roles to meet unrealistic expectations. Sleep disorders, depression, and heart issues afflict many, exacerbated by extreme workloads. This Overwork, mistaken for productivity in the country, leads to errors and resentment at workplaces, hindering true success.
3. Qatar
Average Hours Per Employed Person: 48.0
In the past, Qatar faced reports of workers being overworked as they prepared for the FIFA World Cup 2022. UrbaCon Trading & Contracting Company, responsible for key projects, made employees work longer hours without paying them extra, and even scrapped their Friday off. Workers were upset because they didn’t know about the changes beforehand and weren’t compensated for the extra work. While Qatar’s laws didn’t demand payment for overtime, they did require that workers get a day off each week. This situation highlighted the challenges in protecting workers’ rights during Qatar’s rapid development.
2. United Arab Emirates
Average Hours Per Employed Person: 50.9
According to a study by Kisi, Dubai ranks as the most overworked city globally. Despite this, expats in the city find solace in its numerous perks, balancing work with leisure. With a structured workweek of up to 48 hours and ample annual leave, Dubai’s labor laws seemingly promote work-life balance. However, expatriates, who constitute 85% of the population, face unique pressures, particularly those from low- to medium-income countries. The fear of job loss looms large, exacerbating stress and contributing to burnout, which often goes unrecognized until it becomes debilitating.
Conversely, Dubai’s allure lies in its financial benefits, including generous overtime pay and the absence of income tax. Expatriates, drawn by the promise of higher earnings and a comfortable lifestyle, navigate the city’s transient nature with relative ease. Yet, the emphasis on results and professional growth underscores the relentless pace of Dubai’s corporate culture. While the city offers a pampered lifestyle with convenient services and amenities, the high-stakes environment perpetuates a cycle of stress and burnout, necessitating vigilance for early signs of mental exhaustion.
1. Bhutan
Average Hours Per Employed Person: 54.4
Overworking in Bhutan’s labor market is a pressing issue, affecting a significant portion of the workforce, as highlighted in the 2024 World Bank Report. In urban centers, where nonagricultural sectors predominate, about 63% of workers experience overwork. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in sectors like construction, retail, transportation, and food services, where self-employed and family workers dominate. The demanding nature of these industries often leads to long hours and little respite for employees. With 54.4 average hours per employed person per week, Bhutan is the most overworked country in Asia.
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