The traditional notion that longer hours equal greater output is crumbling faster than ever. Across the globe, some of the most economically prosperous nations are proving that working smarter, not harder, is the secret to sustainable success.
The technological, economic, and social structures in richer countries have enabled workers there to produce more while working less. Besides tech innovation, there is evidence that working fewer hours can keep productivity higher, making the link between working hours and productivity self-reinforcing. This counterintuitive reality has sparked a global conversation about the future of work itself.
Germany: Engineering Excellence in Fewer Hours
Germany stands out with workers logging roughly 1,340 hours annually, which is almost half of what Mexican workers put in at 2,230 hours per year. The Netherlands had a low average of around 30.3 hours per week overall (including part-time workers), followed by Austria at 33.9 hours and Germany at 33.9 hours, with the European average being 36 hours in 2024.
This efficiency doesn’t come by accident. Germany is known for its high-value industries like automotive and pharmaceuticals, where robotics and other technologies can greatly enhance productivity. This is supported by GDP per capita, in which Germany has grown substantially since 2000. In 2022 a German working hour was 1% more productive than a U.S. working hour, however a German employee produced 20% less than an American employee over the course of the year.
In Germany, employees enjoy some of the shortest working hours in the world, thanks to strong labor protections, collective bargaining agreements, and a focus on efficiency rather than hours worked. Germany, for instance, produces more GDP per hour worked than many countries with longer work hours, proving that focusing on productivity rather than time spent at work can yield better economic results.
Denmark: Nordic Productivity at Its Peak
Denmark ranks among the most productive countries in the world at approximately $85-90 per hour worked. Denmark has the shortest average workweek of just 37.2 hours for full-time employees of the OECD member countries. In Germany and Denmark, this figure is below 1,400 hours.
The Danish approach emphasizes work-life balance without sacrificing economic performance. Highest increases were observed for Poland (+4.8%), Bulgaria (+3.9%) and Denmark (+2.9%). This productivity growth happened despite the country’s commitment to shorter working hours.
The success stems from Denmark’s unique workplace culture that prioritizes mental well-being and structured efficiency. An ongoing study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Finland, Norway, and Denmark rank exceptionally high in life satisfaction, all scoring above 7.3/10 for QOLS. Finland is of particular note, with the highest score of all, while Denmark sits in third and Norway in ninth, respectively.
Netherlands: The Part-Time Powerhouse
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the most productive countries in the world, with each hour worked adding about $92 to the economy. Full-time employees work an average of approximately 39 hours a week, which helps the Dutch maintain their work-life balance. A highly educated and skilled workforce, combined with modern infrastructure and great transport links, keeps the economy humming. With strong wages and low income inequality, the Netherlands offers a welcoming environment for both locals and international workers alike.
The Dutch model demonstrates that extreme flexibility can coexist with economic strength. The Netherlands had the lowest average at just above 32 hours per week, followed by Austria at 33.9 hours and Germany at 33.9 hours. Yet this hasn’t hindered their competitive position in global markets.
Their success lies in creating systems that maximize output during compressed timeframes. Workers focus intensely during their reduced hours, eliminating time-wasting activities and prioritizing high-impact tasks that drive real results.
Belgium: Leading the Legal Revolution
Since 2022, Belgian employees have been able to work four days a week without losing their full-time salaries or employment benefits. Belgium became the first country in Europe to legislate for a four-day work week. Belgium has emerged as a pioneer in the move towards a four-day workweek by enacting legislation to support it.
However, the reality on the ground tells a more complex story. Contrary to earlier claims of a 56.5% adoption rate, a report from Acerta in October 2023 shows that only 1.9% of employers have employees working a full-time four-day schedule. According to figures from Acerta, at the end of October 2023, Belgium had around 1.9% of employers that employed people with a full-time four-day working week.
Researchers note that while some workers appreciate the flexibility, the reform has not yet produced broad structural change across Belgium’s labor market. The hesitation from employers reflects concerns about implementation, but pilot programs continue to show promising results for companies willing to embrace the change.
Sweden: The Scandinavian Experiment
Sweden made headlines in 2015 when it implemented a four-day workweek in Gothenburg. The working hours were reduced to six hours per day for five days, totalling 30 hours per week. The trial adopted an innovative 100:80:100 approach, which allowed employees to receive their full salaries for working 80% of the time while still achieving 100% productivity.
Higher Productivity: The mechanics on a 30-hour-per-week schedule demonstrated higher productivity levels compared to those working the traditional 40-hour schedule. Thus, the total output from them exceeded that of their counterparts on a standard workweek. Lower absenteeism: With more time to rest and manage personal affairs, employees took fewer sick days, improving overall attendance. Moreover, it also led to higher morale and job satisfaction among employees, which contributed to lower turnover rates.
These nations prove that the relationship between hours worked and economic output isn’t linear. In contrast, countries that emphasize shorter working hours often report higher productivity levels and better work-life balance, proving that more time at work does not necessarily equate to better results. One of the most important findings from global labor data is that working longer hours does not necessarily lead to higher productivity. In fact, many countries with shorter average working hours have some of the strongest economies and most efficient workforces.
The data paints a clear picture that challenges decades of conventional wisdom about productivity and success.