By Gloria Ogbonna
Top 5 Countries with the Longest Working Hours in 2024, As the global workforce continues to evolve, each country faces unique challenges in terms of labor laws, economic growth, and working conditions. Some nations are known for longer working hours, which often reflect their socio-economic climates and labor policies.
Below is an in-depth look at the top 5 countries with the longest working hours, based on reports from Insider Monkey, and how these conditions impact their workers and economies.
1. Bhutan — 54.4 Hours Per Week
Bhutan tops the list with the longest working hours, averaging 54.4 hours per week. Despite these extended work hours, the country faces significant challenges in employment, particularly among its younger population.
Youth unemployment in Bhutan stands at 29%, a troubling statistic that coincides with a slow economic growth rate, which has averaged only 1.7% over the past five years.
In recent years, Bhutan has seen an exodus of skilled labor, with many citizens seeking better opportunities abroad. Australia, in particular, has become a popular destination for Bhutanese migrants.
Approximately 15,000 visas were issued to Bhutanese citizens in a single year, amounting to nearly 2% of the country’s population.
This skilled migration underscores the desire for better working conditions and opportunities, despite the country’s lengthy work hours.
2. United Arab Emirates (UAE) — 50.9 Hours Per Week
The UAE ranks second, with an average of 50.9 working hours per week. This high figure is reflective of the country’s rapid economic development and the increasing demand for skilled labor, especially in sectors such as real estate, technology, and artificial intelligence.
Since the fourth quarter of 2023, job opportunities in the UAE have surged by 8%, driven by a booming real estate market that alone has seen an 11% increase in job openings.
As the country continues to develop its digital and data capabilities, the economic outlook remains positive, with a projected GDP growth of 4.2% in 2024 and 5.2% in 2025.
Despite the long working hours, the UAE’s growing economy attracts talent from around the world, with many professionals flocking to the country for high-paying opportunities in rapidly expanding industries.
3. Lesotho — 50.4 Hours Per Week
Lesotho comes in third, with an average workweek of 50.4 hours. The country’s labor code mandates a maximum probation period of four months, after which employees are granted permanent status.
The standard workweek in Lesotho is set at 45 hours, spread over either five or six days, depending on the employer. Workers on a five-day schedule typically work nine-hour days, while those on a six-day schedule work eight-hour days, with a shorter five-hour shift on the sixth day.
Overtime in Lesotho is limited to 11 hours per week, with employees receiving a 25% pay increase for any additional hours worked.
Despite the relatively long working hours, these regulations provide a measure of protection for workers, ensuring that overtime is fairly compensated and working conditions are kept within legal bounds.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — 48.6 Hours Per Week
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, workers average 48.6 hours per week. The country’s labor laws set the maximum allowable workweek at 45 hours, with daily shifts limited to nine hours.
These regulations apply uniformly across all sectors, including public, private, educational, and charitable organizations. Unlike some countries, the DRC does not differentiate work hours based on gender or job type.
While mandatory overtime is not explicitly prohibited, workers are entitled to additional compensation for extra hours worked.
Top 5 Countries with the Longest Working Hours in 2024
Pay raises for overtime can range from 30% to 60%, depending on the hours worked and whether the extra hours fall on weekends or holidays.
The high average workweek may reflect longer shifts in informal sectors, where labor regulations are less strictly enforced.
5. Qatar — 48 Hours Per Week
Qatar rounds out the top five, with employees working an average of 48 hours per week. However, some industries, particularly aviation, are facing significant challenges.
Following recent layoffs, many employees are grappling with extended hours and overwhelming workloads, particularly those in high-demand roles like pilots and flight crew.
This excessive pressure has raised concerns about worker exhaustion and its potential impact on safety and customer service.
The fear of losing their jobs or facing reprisal has created a culture of silence, where workers hesitate to report burnout or fatigue. This situation highlights the ongoing struggles faced by many in Qatar, as the country balances its rapid economic growth with the wellbeing of its workforce.
Conclusion on the Top 5 Countries with the Longest Working Hours in 2024
These countries, each with their distinct economic landscapes and labor policies, represent environments where long working hours are the norm. In some cases, these extended hours are a result of booming industries and growing job markets, as seen in the UAE.
READ ALSO
Top Countries, Cities, and Industries for Remote Work in 2024
3 High-Income Skills You Can Learn for Free
In others, like Bhutan and Lesotho, long hours coincide with challenges such as unemployment and economic migration.
Understanding the labor dynamics in these countries can offer valuable insights into the future of work, especially for those looking to balance productivity with worker well-being.
