khushboo 
(C): Unsplash
While many countries strive for a work-life balance, there are still numerous countries where workers continue to work far too many hours. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are a large number of countries in which a considerable percentage of the workforce works over 48 hours in a week.
Top 10 Overworked Countries
Bhutan
- Average Hours Worked Per Week: 54.4
- Percent Working ≥ 49 Hours Per Week: 61%
People in Bhutan tend to spend long hours at work, despite always pursuing Gross National Happiness. Workers tend to work long hours in the hospitality and construction industries.
India
- Average Hours Worked Per Week: 46.7
- Percent Working ≥ 49 Hours Per Week: 51%
Close to half of the workers in India work more than the maximum number of hours in a week. The average number of hours affect workers and lead workers to face a culture of overwork.
Bangladesh
- Average Hours Worked Per Week: 47.0
- Percent Working ≥ 49 Hours Per Week: 47%
The manufacturing industry in Bangladesh has long hours to meet production targets.
Mauritania
- Average Hours Worked Per Week: 47.6
- Percent Working ≥ 49 Hours Per Week: 46%
Many workers are working longer hours than expected due to economic issues.
Congo
- Average Hours Worked Per Week: 48.6
- Percent Working ≥ 49 Hours Per Week: 45%
Many workers in Congo work over the recommended number of hours, especially in marginal forms of labor in agriculture, work long hours.
United Arab Emirates
- Average Weekly Hours: 50.9
- Percentage Working ≥49 Hours: 39%
The UAE is a vibrant economy that often asks its workers to work more hours.
Lesotho
- Average Weekly Hours: 50.4
- Percentage Working ≥49 Hours: 36%
Workers in Lesotho are impacted by the country’s economic challenges, which lead to longer hours for many.
Congo (Republic)
- Average Weekly Hours: 48.6
- Percentage Working ≥49 Hours: 45%
Following its neighbor, the Republic of Congo has many workers working extra hours in their workweek.
Qatar
- Average Weekly Hours: 48.0
- Percentage Working ≥49 Hours: 29%
Qatar’s economic progress has impacted workers across sectors by requiring more working hours.
Liberia
- Average Weekly Hours: 47.7
- Percentage Working ≥49 Hours: 27%
Many workers in Liberia work long hours, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
While worldwide trends have shifted towards an emphasis on achieving a balance between work and life, there are numerous countries that have a significant portion of their work hours exceeding what is considered the norm. It becomes important for policy makers and organizations to weigh the health facets of the employees and work towards the balance that leads to health and economic productivity.
