News ID : 209307
Publish Date : 1/19/2025 9:46:07 PM
Long Working Hours: Opportunity or Threat for the Economy?

Long Working Hours: Opportunity or Threat for the Economy?

New statistics from the International Labour Organization reveal significant differences in weekly working hours across various countries. While developed countries have achieved greater well-being and productivity by reducing working hours, many developing countries still face challenges due to long working hours.

Nournews: The latest data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the years 2021-2023 shows a striking variation in weekly working hours around the world. Analyzing the relationship between working hours, economic-social growth, and productivity in different countries reveals that these two indicators are inversely related. Countries are striving to find the right balance between economic productivity and quality of life by adjusting working hours.

According to the new data, the average working hours in recent years in developed countries such as the Netherlands (29.8 hours), Denmark (32.6 hours), and Austria (32.4 hours) are significantly lower. In contrast, in developing or low-income countries such as India (56 hours), Bangladesh (51 hours), and Bhutan (48 hours), working hours are much longer.

In Iran, the average weekly working hours are around 44 hours, which is similar to countries like Iraq (31.6 hours) and Pakistan (49 hours). Countries like Tanzania, with an average of 54 hours, have some of the longest working hours.

This data highlights fundamental differences in countries' labor policies and their direct impact on quality of life, productivity, and social welfare. Countries with fewer working hours generally have policies that promote a balance between work and life, while countries with longer working hours often face challenges like burnout and decreased quality of life.

Working Hours and Human Development

Countries with shorter working hours, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Austria, have generally achieved high human development indicators. These countries emphasize the importance of work-life balance and implement policies such as reducing working hours, offering long vacations, and focusing on high productivity. On the other hand, countries with long working hours, like India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, despite intense economic activity, often face challenges such as work stress, worker burnout, and decreased quality of life.

The Link Between Working Hours and Economic Growth

Some developing economies like India and Bangladesh view long working hours as a way to achieve faster economic growth. However, this strategy often leads to social and health problems for the workforce. Reduced leisure opportunities, physical and mental issues caused by long working hours, and increased burnout rates are negative consequences of extended working hours.

Economic-Social Challenges in Countries with Long Working Hours

India, as a country with the longest working hours and a large active workforce, especially in the informal sector, struggles with low productivity and workers' livelihood issues.

In Bangladesh and Bhutan, despite high working hours, wages and working conditions are often unfair, contributing to social inequality.

In countries with long working hours, insufficient access to welfare and social services puts additional pressure on workers.

Shorter Working Hours: A Model for the Future?

Countries like the Netherlands have shown that shorter working hours not only improve quality of life but also increase workforce productivity. These countries' experiences could serve as a model for others to reduce work pressure and improve social welfare by using technology, more efficient planning, and appropriate policies.

Working hours reflect the priorities and economic-social policies of countries. While developed nations have achieved higher social welfare by reducing working hours, developing countries need to reform their policies to reduce work pressure and improve the quality of life for their workers. This change could help foster sustainable growth and social justice.

 


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