India has become one of the most overworked countries in the world, with its workforce averaging some of the longest hours each week. Recent data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that the average Indian employee puts in 46.7 hours weekly, ranking the nation among those with the highest working hours globally.
Alarmingly, 51 per cent of India's workforce exceeds 49 hours each week, making it second in the world for prolonged working hours. Bhutan tops this list, with 61 per cent of its workforce surpassing the 49-hour mark. Other South Asian countries, such as Bangladesh (47 per cent) and Pakistan (40 per cent), also rank in the top 10, highlighting a regional trend toward extended working hours.
While many countries report high average weekly working hours, India's standout feature is the substantial percentage of its workforce working over 49 hours. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Lesotho also show significant figures, with average weekly hours of 50.9 and 50.4, respectively, and 39 per cent and 36 per cent of their workforce logging extended hours.
These findings highlight pressing issues related to work-life balance, mental health, and labour policies in India, where over half of the workforce still endures long hours. As the country navigates evolving economic demands, the necessity for sustainable work environments that prioritise both health and productivity has never been more urgent.
In contrast, countries like the Netherlands (31.6 hours) and Norway (33.7 hours) exemplify a more balanced work-life approach and boast much lower weekly averages.
The study reveals notable disparities in global working patterns. Vanuatu, located in Oceania, has the lowest average working hours, with employees averaging just 24.7 hours per week. Only 4 per cent of its workforce exceeds the 49-hour mark, highlighting a stark contrast to the work culture in South Asia. Similarly, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia, with average working hours of 27.3 and 30.4, respectively, also embrace a more relaxed approach, with very few individuals working beyond 49 hours.
In contrast, highly developed countries such as Germany (34.2 hours), Japan (36.6 hours), and Singapore (42.6 hours) report significantly lower rates of excessive working hours, demonstrating that strong labour policies can effectively balance productivity and worker well-being.
