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Last updated on September 24th, 2025 at 10:33 am
Balancing working life has become a top priority in today’s world. More people are seeking jobs in countries with the shortest average annual working hours. As a result, productivity goes hand in hand. This has been proved by countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria that shorter working hours can lead to greater efficiency and higher job satisfaction. The work satisfaction increased to an extent that they eventually became happier societies. As global interest grows, these countries are setting the standard for a healthier workplace and sustainable lifestyles in 2025.
Here is a list of the top five countries with the shortest working hours.
Germany
Germany leads globally in the shortest working hours. This is because of strong labour laws, generous paid leave, and a focus on efficiency. In addition, companies like BMW and Siemens prioritise results over time in the office, which boosts both productivity and employee satisfaction.
Netherlands
The part-time work culture is embraced by the Dutch, which is prevalent among parents and students. The country offers the most flexible schedules. This is often accompanied by widespread remote working options that allow employees to maintain an excellent work-life balance without sacrificing career progression.
Austria
Austria stresses labour protection and work-hour regulations. It ensures employees are not overburdened. Usually, the Austrians enjoy four to five weeks of paid vacation, which leads to a balanced lifestyle.
Belgium
Belgium also has shorter workweeks, which are reinforced by strong unions and a legal framework that limits overtime. Apart from this, in cities like Brussels and Antwerp, businesses encourage productivity through structured working hours rather than long days.
Denmark
Denmark combines high productivity with a shorter workweek, which is often around 37 hours. The country provides flexible work arrangements and a societal emphasis on family time. This makes Denmark one of the happiest countries for employees.
Key Takeaways:
Some of the key facts learnt from this blog are as follows:
- Shorter work hours do not reduce productivity; instead, they increase efficiency. The structured workflows matter the most.
- Europe dominates the list owing to its strong labour laws and cultural emphasis on balance.
- Work-life balance impacts happiness and countries with fewer hours often rank higher on well-being indexes.
Conclusion
The countries with fewer working hours often experience higher employee satisfaction, better mental health, and improved productivity. Therefore, organisations of these nations always focus on results rather than the number of hours clocked. This has become a model for other counties that are seeking more efficient and balanced work cultures.
The table below highlights the top 10 nations where workers spent less time on the job, while still maintaining high productivity and economic output. According to the World Population Review, the countries that rank among those with the shortest average annual working hours in 2025 are as follows:
| S. No | Country | Average Annual Working Hours |
| 1 | Germany | 1,340 hours |
| 2 | Netherlands | 1,440 hours |
| 3 | Austria | 1,443 hours |
| 4 | Belgium | 1,525 hours |
| 5 | Denmark | 1,690 hours |
| 6 | Norway | 1,710 hours |
| 7 | Finland | 1,750 hours |
| 8 | Switzerland | 1,760 hours |
| 9 | Canada | 1,686 hours |
| 10 | Japan | 1,607 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which countries have the shortest working hours in 2025?
- Why do these countries have fewer working hours?
- Are shorter working hours linked to a better quality of life?
- Is the global workweek getting shorter?
