{"id":11054,"date":"2024-08-21T09:15:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T09:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.instantoffices.com\/blog\/?p=11054"},"modified":"2025-12-02T14:15:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T14:15:24","slug":"countries-that-defy-the-9-to-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.instantoffices.com\/blog\/featured\/countries-that-defy-the-9-to-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Countries That Defy The 9 to 5"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Germany are proof that working eight-hour days don\u2019t have to be the norm. Globally, the average work week is around 37 hours, but in some places, this ranges from below 40 to almost 50 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many high-income countries are experiencing a growing trend towards shorter workweeks, fueled by a strong focus on work-life balance and employee wellbeing. In 2024, conversations around four-day work weeks and flexible schedules are gaining traction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the flip side, many developing countries still have much longer workweeks, often exceeding 48 hours, as economic pressures and limited worker protections push people to work harder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(click\/tap to enlarge)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 10 countries with the longest workweeks <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Country<\/th>Average Working Week<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Colombia <\/td>47 <\/td><\/tr>
Turkey <\/td>46 <\/td><\/tr>
Mexico <\/td>45 <\/td><\/tr>
Costa Rica <\/td>45 <\/td><\/tr>
Chile <\/td>43 <\/td><\/tr>
Portugal <\/td>40 <\/td><\/tr>
Israel <\/td>40 <\/td><\/tr>
United States <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Latvia <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Slovak Republic <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There is a massive contrast in workweek lengths across countries, with Colombia, Turkey, and Mexico topping the list. Colombia’s average workweek of 47 hours is notably longer than the OECD average, showcasing an intense work culture, along with Turkey and Mexico, with 46 and 45 hours, respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the OECD, there’s a significant range, with countries like Chile, Portugal, and the United States having more moderate but still lengthy workweeks than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colombia leads with an average workweek of 47 hours<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colombia has a demanding work culture where employees face the highest average workweek among OECD countries. There are several reasons for this, including economic pressures and societal norms prioritising long working hours as a measure of productivity. Despite recent legal efforts to reduce the maximum workweek to 42 hours, the transition is gradual and ongoing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey comes in second with an average workweek of 46 hours<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Turkey’s maximum legal working week is 45 hours; however, employees often exceed their hours due to economic pressures and workplace expectations, reflecting a demanding work culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mexico ranks third with a 45-hour workweek<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like many countries, Mexico’s workplace culture normalises long hours. To offset this, Mexico offers a robust vacation policy, aiming to balance the intense work environment, and discussions are ongoing about reducing the workweek to 40 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 10 countries with the shortest Workweeks<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Country<\/th>Average working week <\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Netherlands <\/td>30 <\/td><\/tr>
Denmark <\/td>33 <\/td><\/tr>
Norway <\/td>34 <\/td><\/tr>
Germany <\/td>34 <\/td><\/tr>
Austria <\/td>35 <\/td><\/tr>
Belgium <\/td>35 <\/td><\/tr>
Finland <\/td>35 <\/td><\/tr>
Ireland <\/td>35 <\/td><\/tr>
Switzerland <\/td>36 <\/td><\/tr>
Australia <\/td>36 <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Against the OECD average of 37 hours, European countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have the shortest average work weeks, with 30, 33, and 34 hours respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While nations like Colombia have much longer work weeks, the focus on shorter hours in some European countries may reflect cultural priorities on work-life balance, employment rights, or economic structures that support higher productivity with fewer hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Netherlands stands out with the shortest working week<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Averaging 30 hours a week, the reduced work schedule in the Netherlands is often attributed to the country’s strong emphasis on part-time work and flexible working arrangements. The Dutch labor market boasts a high degree of job satisfaction and work-life balance, which is supported by policies that encourage both men and women to participate in the workforce while maintaining family and leisure time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Denmark follows closely with an average workweek of 33 hours<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Danish model is renowned for its “flexicurity” system, which combines labor market flexibility with social security. This allows employees to enjoy shorter working hours without sacrificing economic stability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norway is third on the list, with an average workweek of 34 hours<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Norway’s focus on gender equality and family-friendly policies supports reduced working hours, enabling both parents to participate actively in childcare and household responsibilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full List<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Country<\/th>Average working week <\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Netherlands <\/td>30 <\/td><\/tr>
Denmark <\/td>33 <\/td><\/tr>
Norway <\/td>34 <\/td><\/tr>
Germany <\/td>34 <\/td><\/tr>
Austria <\/td>35 <\/td><\/tr>
Belgium <\/td>35 <\/td><\/tr>
Finland <\/td>35 <\/td><\/tr>
Ireland <\/td>35 <\/td><\/tr>
Switzerland <\/td>36 <\/td><\/tr>
Australia <\/td>36 <\/td><\/tr>
Italy <\/td>36 <\/td><\/tr>
France <\/td>36 <\/td><\/tr>
Spain <\/td>37 <\/td><\/tr>
United Kingdom <\/td>37 <\/td><\/tr>
OECD Average <\/mark><\/strong><\/td>37 <\/mark><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Sweden <\/td>37 <\/td><\/tr>
Estonia <\/td>38 <\/td><\/tr>
Iceland <\/td>38 <\/td><\/tr>
New Zealand <\/td>38 <\/td><\/tr>
Luxembourg <\/td>38 <\/td><\/tr>
United States <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Latvia <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Slovak Republic <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Greece <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Czechia <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Lithuania <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Slovenia <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Hungary <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Poland <\/td>39 <\/td><\/tr>
Portugal <\/td>40 <\/td><\/tr>
Israel <\/td>40 <\/td><\/tr>
Chile <\/td>43 <\/td><\/tr>
Mexico <\/td>45 <\/td><\/tr>
Costa Rica <\/td>45 <\/td><\/tr>
Turkey <\/td>46 <\/td><\/tr>
Colombia <\/td>47 <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How have working hours changed over a decade?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Between 2013 and 2023, average working hours in some OECD countries have shifted, with some nations adapting to modern work demands while others grapple with intensifying workloads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of the 37 countries analysed, 12 reduced their workweek by an hour or more in the last decade, 14 remained the same, and 10 increased their workweeks by an hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey has seen the most significant decrease, with the average workweek dropping from 50 to 46 hours. Colombia, Germany, Iceland, and Israel have also improved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

France, Italy, Norway, and Spain have maintained their working hours over the last decade, while the UK, US, Switzerland, Sweden, and others have all seen increases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Country<\/th>2013<\/th>2023<\/th>Increase\/Decrease<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Turkey <\/td>50 <\/td>46 <\/td>-4 <\/td><\/tr>
Colombia <\/td>49 <\/td>47 <\/td>-2 <\/td><\/tr>
Austria <\/td>36 <\/td>35 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Chile <\/td>44 <\/td>43 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Czechia <\/td>40 <\/td>39 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Estonia <\/td>39 <\/td>38 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Finland <\/td>36 <\/td>35 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Germany <\/td>35 <\/td>34 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Iceland <\/td>39 <\/td>38 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Israel <\/td>41 <\/td>40 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Poland <\/td>40 <\/td>39 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Slovak Republic <\/td>40 <\/td>39 <\/td>-1 <\/td><\/tr>
Australia <\/td>36 <\/td>36 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Belgium <\/td>35 <\/td>35 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Canada <\/td>0 <\/td>0 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Denmark <\/td>33 <\/td>33 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
France <\/td>36 <\/td>36 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Greece <\/td>39 <\/td>39 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Hungary <\/td>39 <\/td>39 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Italy <\/td>36 <\/td>36 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Latvia <\/td>39 <\/td>39 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Mexico <\/td>45 <\/td>45 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Norway <\/td>34 <\/td>34 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Portugal <\/td>40 <\/td>40 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Slovenia <\/td>39 <\/td>39 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Spain <\/td>37 <\/td>37 <\/td>0 <\/td><\/tr>
Global Average<\/strong> <\/mark><\/td>37<\/mark> <\/strong><\/td>37<\/mark><\/strong> <\/td>0<\/mark> <\/td><\/tr>
Costa Rica <\/td>44 <\/td>45 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
Ireland <\/td>34 <\/td>35 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
Lithuania <\/td>38 <\/td>39 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
Luxembourg <\/td>37 <\/td>38 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
Netherlands <\/td>29 <\/td>30 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
New Zealand <\/td>37 <\/td>38 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
Sweden <\/td>36 <\/td>37 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
Switzerland <\/td>35 <\/td>36 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
United Kingdom <\/td>36 <\/td>37 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr>
United States <\/td>38 <\/td>39 <\/td>+1 <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The landscape of working hours across OECD countries illustrates a stark contrast in global work culture, driven by varying economic pressures, cultural norms, and labour market policies.<\/p>\n

While some countries maintain longer workweeks, others are progressively moving towards shorter ones, reflecting a growing emphasis on flexible working arrangements, work-life balance, and employee wellbeing. As discussions around four-day work weeks and flexible schedules gain momentum, the future of work will likely evolve in favour of greater balance and productivity.<\/p>\n

This shift enhances individual wellbeing and paves the way for a more sustainable and fulfilling work environment globally.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Looking for Office Space?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We Operate in Some of the World’s Top Cities:<\/span><\/p>\n

London<\/a>, New York<\/a>, San Francisco<\/a>, Paris<\/a>, Singapore<\/a>, Hong Kong<\/a>, Search more locations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Germany are proof that working eight-hour days don\u2019t have to be the norm. Globally, the average work week is around 37 hours, but in some places, this ranges from below 40 to almost 50 hours.  Many high-income countries are experiencing a growing trend towards shorter workweeks, fueled by a strong focus on work-life balance and employee wellbeing. In 2024, conversations around four-day work weeks and flexible schedules are gaining traction.  On the flip side, many developing countries still have much longer workweeks, often exceeding 48 hours, as economic pressures and limited worker protections push people to work harder.  (click\/tap to enlarge) Top 10 countries with the longest workweeks  Country Average Working Week Colombia  47  Turkey  46  Mexico  45  Costa Rica  45  Chile  43  Portugal  40  Israel  40  United States  39  Latvia  39  Slovak Republic  39  There is a massive contrast in workweek lengths across countries, with Colombia, Turkey, and Mexico topping the list. Colombia’s average workweek of 47 hours is notably longer than the OECD average, showcasing an intense work culture, along with Turkey and Mexico, with 46 and 45 hours, respectively.  Within the OECD, there’s a significant range, with countries like Chile, Portugal, and the United States having more moderate but still lengthy workweeks than others.  Colombia leads with an average workweek of 47 hours  Colombia has a demanding work culture where employees face the highest average workweek among OECD countries. There are several reasons for this, including economic pressures and societal norms prioritising long working hours as a measure of productivity. Despite recent legal efforts to reduce the maximum workweek to 42 hours, the transition is gradual and ongoing.  Turkey comes in second with an average workweek of 46 hours  Turkey’s maximum legal working week is 45 hours; however, employees often exceed their hours due to economic pressures and workplace expectations, reflecting a demanding work culture.  Mexico ranks third with a 45-hour workweek  Like many countries, Mexico’s workplace culture normalises long hours. To offset this, Mexico offers a robust vacation policy, aiming to balance the intense work environment, and discussions are ongoing about reducing the workweek to 40 hours.  Top 10 countries with the shortest Workweeks  Country Average working week Netherlands  30  Denmark  33  Norway  34  Germany  34  Austria  35  Belgium  35  Finland  35  Ireland  35  Switzerland  36  Australia  36  Against the OECD average of 37 hours, European countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have the shortest average work weeks, with 30, 33, and 34 hours respectively.  While nations like Colombia have much longer work weeks, the focus on shorter hours in some European countries may reflect cultural priorities on work-life balance, employment rights, or economic structures that support higher productivity with fewer hours.  The Netherlands stands out with the shortest working week  Averaging 30 hours a week, the reduced work schedule in the Netherlands is often attributed to the country’s strong emphasis on part-time work and flexible working arrangements. The Dutch labor market boasts a high degree of job satisfaction and work-life balance, which is supported by policies that encourage both men and women to participate in the workforce while maintaining family and leisure time.  Denmark follows closely with an average workweek of 33 hours  The Danish model is renowned for its “flexicurity” system, which combines labor market flexibility with social security. This allows employees to enjoy shorter working hours without sacrificing economic stability.  Norway is third on the list, with an average workweek of 34 hours  Norway’s focus on gender equality and family-friendly policies supports reduced working hours, enabling both parents to participate actively in childcare and household responsibilities.  Full List  Country Average working week Netherlands  30  Denmark  33  Norway  34  Germany  34  Austria  35  Belgium  35  Finland  35  Ireland  35  Switzerland  36  Australia  36  Italy  36  France  36  Spain  37  United Kingdom  37  OECD Average  37  Sweden  37  Estonia  38  Iceland  38  New Zealand  38  Luxembourg  38  United States  39  Latvia  39  Slovak Republic  39  Greece  39  Czechia  39  Lithuania  39  Slovenia  39  Hungary  39  Poland  39  Portugal  40  Israel  40  Chile  43  Mexico  45  Costa Rica  45  Turkey  46  Colombia  47  How have working hours changed over a decade?  Between 2013 and 2023, average working hours in some OECD countries have shifted, with some nations adapting to modern work demands while others grapple with intensifying workloads.  Of the 37 countries analysed, 12 reduced their workweek by an hour or more in the last decade, 14 remained the same, and 10 increased their workweeks by an hour.  Turkey has seen the most significant decrease, with the average workweek dropping from 50 to 46 hours. Colombia, Germany, Iceland, and Israel have also improved.  France, Italy, Norway, and Spain have maintained their working hours over the last decade, while the UK, US, Switzerland, Sweden, and others have all seen increases.  Country 2013 2023 Increase\/Decrease Turkey  50  46  -4  Colombia  49  47  -2  Austria  36  35  -1  Chile  44  43  -1  Czechia  40  39  -1  Estonia  39  38  -1  Finland  36  35  -1  Germany  35  34  -1  Iceland  39  38  -1  Israel  41  40  -1  Poland  40  39  -1  Slovak Republic  40  39  -1  Australia  36  36  0  Belgium  35  35  0  Canada  0  0  0  Denmark  33  33  0  France  36  36  0  Greece  39  39  0  Hungary  39  39  0  Italy  36  36  0  Latvia  39  39  0  Mexico  45  45  0  Norway  34  34  0  Portugal  40  40  0  Slovenia  39  39  0  Spain  37  37  0  Global Average  37  37  0  Costa Rica  44  45  +1  Ireland  34  35  +1  Lithuania  38  39  +1  Luxembourg  37  38  +1  Netherlands  29  30  +1  New Zealand  37  38  +1  Sweden  36  37  +1  Switzerland  35  36  +1  United Kingdom  36  37  +1  United States  38  39  +1  The landscape of working hours across OECD countries illustrates a stark contrast in global work culture, driven by varying economic pressures, cultural norms, and labour market policies. While some countries maintain longer workweeks, others are progressively moving towards shorter ones,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18407,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[214,637],"tags":[374,373],"class_list":["post-11054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-work-life","tag-average-working-hours","tag-working-hours"],"yoast_head":"\nCountries That Defy The 9 to 5 - Instant Offices Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how workweek lengths vary globally, from short hours in the Netherlands to long weeks in Colombia. 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