Working Hours: Which Nations Work the Longest?

Career Climbers / 9th September 2019

When counting down those last few minutes until the weekend, your next holiday, or even lunchtime, have you considered how hard you are working in comparison to other people?

To answer this, RS Components have analysed International Labour Organisation (ILO) data for almost 100 countries to see who is working the most and the least. You can see the graphic here. 

According to ILO data, the average worker across the globe will spend 40 hours a week at their place of work. However, the data also reveals this can vary greatly between nations and continents.  

Nations that work the fewest hours on average:

The Netherlands enjoys the best work-life balance, with an average working week consisting of just 32 hours, amounting to under 6.5 hours across five days. This suggests that Dutch companies value quality over quantity when it comes to working hours, and believe efficiency does not come from working extensive hours each day. 

Often associated with being laid-back, Australians and New Zealanders see this association reflected in their working culture, working the second-lowest number of hours at 33.  

The UK ranks joint fifth when it comes to fewest working hours, with an average working week totalling 36 hours, alongside many other European countries, including neighbouring France, Sweden and Austria. 

Nations that work the most hours on average:

Qatar ranks as the nation working their employees the longest with an average working week consisting of 49 hours, 17 more than the likes of the Netherlands, adding up to an extra 3.4 hours each day over a five-day week.