In this article, we will look at the 5 countries with the longest working hours in the world. We have also talked about the issues stemming from overworking in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 20 Countries with the Longest Working Hours in the World.
5. Qatar
Average Hours per Week: 48.0
In Qatar, the overwork culture within Qatar Airways has reached alarming levels. Following layoffs, remaining staff are burdened with excessive flying hours that endangers both their own well-being and the safety of passengers. With fear of reprisal and job loss looming, employees hesitate to voice their concerns, despite experiencing debilitating fatigue.
4. Congo
Average Hours per Week: 48.6
The Congolese Labor Code dictates a maximum workweek of 45 hours and a maximum workday of 9 hours. These regulations apply to every public or private establishment, including those directed towards education or charity. Importantly, there are no legal variations in these limits based on gender or job type. While there’s no explicit prohibition on mandatory overtime, the DRC mandates increased compensation for overtime work, ranging from a 30% to 60% pay increase depending on the hours worked and the day involved.
The fact that the average work hours per week are higher could be due to the employees working for longer hours in the informal sectors.
3. Lesotho
Average Hours per Week: 50.4
In Lesotho, the labor code sets a maximum probation period of four months, after which employment becomes permanent. The standard workweek comprises 45 hours which are spread over either five or six days. Employees on a five-day schedule work 9 hours per day, while those on a six-day schedule work 8 hours for five days and 5 hours on the sixth. Overtime is capped at 11 hours weekly, with a mandated 25% supplement to base wages.
2. United Arab Emirates
Average Hours per Week: 50.9
Work opportunities in the UAE have risen with an 8% increase in new jobs compared to Q4 2023. This growth is fueled by the inflated demand for real estate, digital, data, and AI, with the real estate sector alone witnessing an impressive 11% increase in job opportunities. Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the demand for digital, data, and AI talents has increased. Moreover, the UAE’s economic prospects also remain promising as there is a projected GDP growth of 4.2% in 2024 and 5.2% in 2025.
1. Bhutan
Average Hours per Week: 54.4
Apart from being the country with the longest work hours in the world, labor and employment challenges loom large in Bhutan as youth unemployment has a rate of 29% and economic growth has averaged around 1.7% over the past five years. Moreover, the allure of better opportunities abroad has led to a brain drain, with Australia being the top destination for Bhutanese migrants. Around 15,000 visas were issued to Bhutanese in a year which is nearly 2% of Bhutan’s population.
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