GITNUX REPORT 2024

OECD Countries Ranked by Average Work Hours Per Year Trends

Global Work Hour Disparities: How Countries Compare in Annual Work Hours - Surprising Results Inside!

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

Workers in Austria have an average of 1,661 work hours per year.

Statistic 2

In the United States, the average work hours per year is 1,779 hours.

Statistic 3

South Korea has one of the longest average work hours per year globally, at 2,024 hours.

Statistic 4

Australians work an average of 1,669 hours per year.

Statistic 5

The average annual work hours in France is 1,482 hours.

Statistic 6

Canada's average work hours per year is 1,691 hours.

Statistic 7

Workers in Norway have an average of 1,419 work hours per year.

Statistic 8

The average annual work hours in Sweden is 1,611 hours.

Statistic 9

Italy's average work hours per year is 1,759 hours.

Statistic 10

Workers in New Zealand work an average of 1,752 hours per year.

Statistic 11

In Turkey, the average work hours per year is 1,832 hours.

Statistic 12

Workers in Finland work an average of 1,573 hours per year.

Statistic 13

South Africa has an average work hours per year of 1,827 hours.

Statistic 14

The average annual work hours in Belgium is 1,551 hours.

Statistic 15

Portugal has an average work hours per year of 1,676 hours.

Statistic 16

The average work hours per year in Ireland is 1,640 hours.

Statistic 17

Greece has an average work hours per year of 2,042 hours.

Statistic 18

In Poland, the average work hours per year is 1,923 hours.

Statistic 19

Workers in Hungary have an average of 1,754 work hours per year.

Statistic 20

The average annual work hours in Czech Republic is 1,744 hours.

Statistic 21

Estonia has an average work hours per year of 1,849 hours.

Statistic 22

The average work hours per year in Iceland is 1,737 hours.

Statistic 23

The average annual work hours in Lithuania is 1,781 hours.

Statistic 24

Latvia has an average work hours per year of 1,808 hours.

Statistic 25

In Slovenia, the average work hours per year is 1,646 hours.

Statistic 26

Workers in Croatia have an average of 1,882 work hours per year.

Statistic 27

The average work hours per year in Cyprus is 1,884 hours.

Statistic 28

Germany has an average work hours per year of 1,356 hours, below the OECD average.

Statistic 29

Average annual work hours in Switzerland is 1,573 hours.

Statistic 30

The average work hours per year in Chile is 2,024 hours.

Statistic 31

The average annual work hours in Luxembourg is 1,612 hours.

Statistic 32

Workers in Slovakia work an average of 1,827 hours per year.

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Bulgaria has an average work hours per year of 1,792 hours.

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Japan had an average work hours per year of 1,689 hours in 2019.

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Mexico has one of the highest average work hours per year in the OECD at 2,257 hours.

Statistic 36

The Netherlands has an average work hours per year of 1,436 hours, the lowest in the OECD.

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The United Kingdom has an average of 1,673 work hours per year.

Statistic 38

Spain has an average annual work hours of 1,680 hours.

Statistic 39

Workers in Denmark work an average of 1,405 hours per year.

Statistic 40

The average annual work hours in Romania is 1,714 hours.

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Summary

  • The Netherlands has an average work hours per year of 1,436 hours, the lowest in the OECD.
  • In the United States, the average work hours per year is 1,779 hours.
  • Mexico has one of the highest average work hours per year in the OECD at 2,257 hours.
  • Germany has an average work hours per year of 1,356 hours, below the OECD average.
  • South Korea has one of the longest average work hours per year globally, at 2,024 hours.
  • Australians work an average of 1,669 hours per year.
  • Japan had an average work hours per year of 1,689 hours in 2019.
  • The average annual work hours in France is 1,482 hours.
  • Canada's average work hours per year is 1,691 hours.
  • Workers in Norway have an average of 1,419 work hours per year.
  • The average annual work hours in Sweden is 1,611 hours.
  • Spain has an average annual work hours of 1,680 hours.
  • Italy's average work hours per year is 1,759 hours.
  • The United Kingdom has an average of 1,673 work hours per year.
  • Workers in New Zealand work an average of 1,752 hours per year.

Ever wonder if your work-life balance is more unbalanced than you think? From the leisurely Dutch clocking in at a mere 1,436 hours per year to the perpetually busy South Koreans spending 2,024 hours at the grindstone, the worlds average work hours vary more than your favorite playlist. Dive into the global office hours scene, where Mexicos workaholics compete with Norways relaxed approach, and find out where your country falls on the busyness barometer.

Countries with high average work hours: Croatia

  • Workers in Austria have an average of 1,661 work hours per year.

Interpretation

In a world where "hustle culture" often glorifies overworking, the average work hours per year in Austria serve as a refreshing testament to the importance of work-life balance. With 1,661 work hours per year, Austrian workers exemplify the art of efficiency, proving that productivity can thrive within reasonable limits. Perhaps it's time for other nations to take note and embrace the notion that success doesn't always equate to never-ending hours in the office.

Countries with highest average work hours

  • In the United States, the average work hours per year is 1,779 hours.
  • South Korea has one of the longest average work hours per year globally, at 2,024 hours.
  • Australians work an average of 1,669 hours per year.
  • The average annual work hours in France is 1,482 hours.
  • Canada's average work hours per year is 1,691 hours.
  • Workers in Norway have an average of 1,419 work hours per year.
  • The average annual work hours in Sweden is 1,611 hours.
  • Italy's average work hours per year is 1,759 hours.
  • Workers in New Zealand work an average of 1,752 hours per year.
  • In Turkey, the average work hours per year is 1,832 hours.
  • Workers in Finland work an average of 1,573 hours per year.
  • South Africa has an average work hours per year of 1,827 hours.
  • The average annual work hours in Belgium is 1,551 hours.
  • Portugal has an average work hours per year of 1,676 hours.
  • The average work hours per year in Ireland is 1,640 hours.
  • Greece has an average work hours per year of 2,042 hours.
  • In Poland, the average work hours per year is 1,923 hours.
  • Workers in Hungary have an average of 1,754 work hours per year.
  • The average annual work hours in Czech Republic is 1,744 hours.
  • Estonia has an average work hours per year of 1,849 hours.
  • The average work hours per year in Iceland is 1,737 hours.
  • The average annual work hours in Lithuania is 1,781 hours.
  • Latvia has an average work hours per year of 1,808 hours.
  • In Slovenia, the average work hours per year is 1,646 hours.
  • Workers in Croatia have an average of 1,882 work hours per year.
  • The average work hours per year in Cyprus is 1,884 hours.

Interpretation

In a world where time is money, it seems some countries are running on overtime while others are savoring their leisurely lunch breaks. From South Korea's hustle-and-bustle marathon to France's leisurely stroll through the workweek, the global spectrum of average work hours per year is a fascinating study in cultural attitudes towards productivity and work-life balance. Whether you're crunching numbers in Poland or sipping espresso in Italy, one thing is clear: the clock never stops ticking, but how we choose to spend those precious hours speaks volumes about our priorities as a society.

Countries with highest average work hours:

  • Germany has an average work hours per year of 1,356 hours, below the OECD average.
  • Average annual work hours in Switzerland is 1,573 hours.
  • The average work hours per year in Chile is 2,024 hours.
  • The average annual work hours in Luxembourg is 1,612 hours.
  • Workers in Slovakia work an average of 1,827 hours per year.
  • Bulgaria has an average work hours per year of 1,792 hours.

Interpretation

In the realm of global work hours, the statistics paint a varied picture of labor intensity across different countries. From Germany's "efficiently relaxed" approach with 1,356 hours per year to the Swiss who seem to have a bit more "clock-in" time at 1,573 hours, it's clear that every nation has its own work tempo. Meanwhile, workers in Chile might be experiencing some serious "time crunch" with 2,024 hours, making them perhaps the true workaholics of the group. Let's not forget Luxembourg's "balanced hustle" at 1,612 hours, Slovakia's "dedicated grind" at 1,827 hours, and Bulgaria's respectable 1,792 hours. In this global symphony of productivity, each country dances to its own beat, showcasing the diversity of work cultures around the world.

Countries with highest average work hours: Japan

  • Japan had an average work hours per year of 1,689 hours in 2019.

Interpretation

Japan's average work hours per year of 1,689 hours in 2019 may sound impressive at first glance, but let's not forget that quality is always better than quantity. Perhaps Japan is the real-life embodiment of the classic tale of the tortoise and the hare - steadily clocking in hours while others sprint ahead, yet maintaining resilience and endurance in the long run. On the other hand, one might also wonder if this relentless work ethic comes at the cost of work-life balance and overall well-being. It seems Japan is a country that works hard, but the true measure of success may lie in finding that delicate balance between productivity and personal health and happiness.

Countries with highest average work hours: Mexico, South Korea

  • Mexico has one of the highest average work hours per year in the OECD at 2,257 hours.

Interpretation

With an average of 2,257 work hours per year, it seems that in Mexico, the phrase "siesta time" might just be a mythical legend. While other countries in the OECD are busy talking about work-life balance and productivity optimization, our amigos down south are putting in the hard yards. It's clear that when it comes to punching the clock, Mexico doesn't mess around. But hey, who needs a break when you've got a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude, right?

Countries with highest average work hours: Mexico, South Korea, Greece, Croatia, Iceland

  • The Netherlands has an average work hours per year of 1,436 hours, the lowest in the OECD.

Interpretation

It seems like the Dutch have mastered the art of working smarter, not harder, with their impressive average of 1,436 work hours per year, the lowest in the OECD. While some may view this as a sign of laziness, perhaps it's time we take a leaf out of the Dutch book and prioritize efficiency over hours sitting at a desk. Who needs quantity when you can have quality? It's time to rethink the way we measure productivity and start valuing the importance of work-life balance.

Countries with highest average work hours: South Korea

  • The United Kingdom has an average of 1,673 work hours per year.

Interpretation

The United Kingdom seems to have struck a delicate balance between productivity and leisure, with an average of 1,673 work hours per year. While some may view this as a commendable commitment to career success, others could argue that it's simply a polite British way of saying, "We work hard, but we also know our tea time priorities." Whichever way you see it, one thing is clear – the Brits know how to make the most of their time, both in and out of the office.

Countries with highest average work hours: Spain

  • Spain has an average annual work hours of 1,680 hours.

Interpretation

With an average annual work output of 1,680 hours, Spain proves that quality is indeed greater than quantity when it comes to productivity. Who needs to clock in extra hours when you can achieve exceptional results within a reasonable timeframe? Perhaps Spain's approach to work-life balance is the secret ingredient to their success, showcasing that efficiency, effectiveness, and a healthy dose of siestas can truly go hand in hand. So, cheers to Spain for showing the world that less can truly be more.

Countries with lowest average work hours

  • Workers in Denmark work an average of 1,405 hours per year.

Interpretation

Denmark continues to prove that quality > quantity, as workers in the country clock in an average of 1,405 hours per year. While other nations may boast longer work weeks, the Danish prioritize efficiency, work-life balance, and productivity. This statistic serves as a reminder that a nation's success is not solely determined by the number of hours worked, but rather by the smart utilization of time and resources. Cheers to Denmark for showing the world how less can indeed be more.

Countries with the highest average work hours

  • The average annual work hours in Romania is 1,714 hours.

Interpretation

In Romania, where the work hours average out to be 1,714 hours per year, it seems like they've struck a balance between productivity and actually having a life outside of work. Perhaps they've figured out the secret formula to getting the job done efficiently without sacrificing their sanity. Or maybe they've just mastered the art of working smarter, not longer. Whatever the case may be, one thing is clear - Romanians are putting in the hours without letting it consume them completely. It's all about quality over quantity, folks.

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