In this article, we will look at the 5 countries with the shortest working hours in the world. We have also discussed the growing popularity of a four day work-week in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 15 Countries With the Shortest Working Hours in the World.
5. Iceland
Average Annual Work Hours: 1454
In Iceland, approximately 85% of workers have embraced a four-day workweek, a noteworthy departure from the traditional five-day norm. This shift hasn’t led to a decrease in pay; instead, it has resulted in increased productivity and well-being among employees. Trials of this shortened workweek have been hailed as overwhelmingly successful, prompting discussions about its feasibility in other countries like the United States.
It is worth highlighting that shorter work weeks have broader societal implications. It can promote gender equality by encouraging men to take on more domestic responsibilities. Additionally, it fosters greater collective experiences and allows people to pursue interests outside of their jobs. From an environmental perspective, a reduction in working hours could contribute significantly to efforts to combat climate change by reducing emissions associated with commuting and workplace energy consumption.
4. Netherlands
Average Annual Work Hours: 1440
In response to evolving employment dynamics, Dutch legislation for 2024 and 2025 has introduced critical reforms. Notably, measures have been introducing to fight sham self-employment, ensuring fair treatment for workers. Proposed laws establish a presumption of employment for those earning below €32.24 ($35.29) per hour, safeguarding rights like minimum wage and sick pay. Effective from July 2025, these changes bear major implications for both employers and freelancers, reshaping employment and tax landscapes.
Additionally, reforms target sick leave policies, particularly benefiting small to medium-sized businesses. Proposed amendments allow such enterprises to focus solely on external reintegration, easing the burden of internal reintegration efforts.
3. Germany
Average Annual Work Hours: 1386
Starting from March 4, 2024, all employees in Germany are required by law to officially record their working hours. This mandate follows a ruling from Germany’s Federal Labour Court (BAG), aimed at ensuring accurate tracking of work hours. Employers must establish a time tracking system to facilitate this process, enabling employees to log their actual hours worked. The introduction of this system responds to concerns regarding unpaid overtime, with statistics indicating a significant amount of unpaid work in the country. The new regulation applies universally, ending previous trust-based arrangements between employers and employees, except for specific cases such as minimum wage employees and certain industries with exploitative practices.
2. Norway
Average Annual Work Hours: 1384
Norway has an exceptional work-life balance, with merely 1% of workers working for extensive hours. Full-time employees allocate 65% of their day, roughly 15.7 hours, to personal leisure and care. Additionally, the country stands out for its top-tier education system.
1. Denmark
Average Annual Work Hours: 1381
Denmark’s emphasis on work-life balance stems from a cultural and legislative framework designed to prioritize personal time and well-being. With only 1% of employees working over 50 hours per week, Danish workers enjoy significantly fewer hours compared to countries like Italy and the OECD average. This commitment to balanced living is reflected in the generous 36 days of statutory annual leave provided, one of the highest among wealthy countries. Additionally, Denmark’s Flexjobs scheme, introduced in 1998, allows workers to request alternative work hours, patterns, or less physically demanding tasks, further accommodating individual needs and preferences while maintaining productivity. It is the country with the shortest working hours in the world.
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