A comparative report of OECD countries reveals a striking pattern: Germany, one of the world’s strongest and most stable economies, records an average of just 1,350 working hours per employee per year—far below the international average. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mexico logs more than 2,200 hours, nearly 70% more. This discrepancy raises a crucial question: Does working longer actually lead to stronger economic development, or does it point to structural inefficiencies?

More Hours, Lower Productivity

Countries like Mexico, Greece, and Poland, which top the chart in terms of hours worked, often struggle with low labor productivity, weak public infrastructure, and large informal employment sectors. High working hours often reflect economic necessity rather than efficiency, with many workers relying on multiple jobs or extended shifts just to make ends meet.

Take Mexico, for example. A significant portion of its workforce operates in the informal economy, where labor regulations, insurance, and minimum wage protections are often absent. These workers may spend more time on the job, but the output per hour remains low—which translates into lower national productivity.

Germany and Scandinavia: Less Time, More Value

In contrast, Germany—as well as Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark—maintains high levels of economic output and productivity despite shorter working hours. These countries benefit from advanced manufacturing, skilled labor, robust vocational training, and technology adoption, allowing them to generate more economic value per hour worked.

Germany, in particular, has mastered the “less is more” model. Through its dual education system, widespread automation, and export-oriented industrial base, each working hour is highly productive. The result: high wages, strong exports, and worker well-being—without an overreliance on long workdays.

The U.S. Model: Intensive and Competitive

Positioned in the middle of the chart, the United States averages about 1,800 hours per year per worker. While it boasts a dynamic economy and cutting-edge innovation, it is also characterized by a competitive, work-centric culture. The American model prioritizes individual achievement, flexible labor markets, and consumer-driven growth.

Although many workers in the U.S. earn high salaries, they also experience elevated levels of stress and burnout, and income inequality continues to widen. The balance between work and quality of life is more fragile compared to European counterparts.

Do More Working Hours Lead to Higher GDP?

A core question arises: Is there a direct correlation between hours worked and national prosperity? The data suggests otherwise. Countries with higher GDP per capita, like Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, consistently record fewer hours worked. Meanwhile, economies with longer working hours often report lower per-capita income and weaker social safety nets.

This implies that while labor quantity matters, labor quality, education, capital investment, and innovation play far more decisive roles in determining a nation’s economic trajectory.

Cultural Dimensions: Not Just Economics

Work hours also reflect cultural and societal values. In Japan, for instance, long hours have historically been a mark of dedication and loyalty. However, this has led to serious health issues, including “karoshi”—death by overwork. Recently, Japan has started promoting work-hour reduction as a public health issue.

On the other hand, Nordic countries embrace shorter workweeks as a philosophical commitment to work-life balance, supported by strong labor laws and social services. These values are deeply embedded in policy and public expectations.

The Automation Era: Redefining Productivity

As artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation technologies reshape global industries, the relevance of working hours as a productivity metric is rapidly diminishing. Some economies are experimenting with four-day workweeks and remote-first models, without sacrificing output.

The trend is clear: Countries that can invest in digital infrastructure, upskilling, and organizational efficiency may reduce work hours even further while boosting growth and quality of life.

Conclusion: Productivity, Not Hours, Drives Growth

In conclusion, the data illustrates that working longer doesn’t guarantee economic success. Instead, countries that focus on technology, education, governance, and efficient systems can achieve more with less.

This shift requires a mindset change in many developing nations. Rather than pushing for longer working hours, they should prioritize building human capital, fostering innovation, and improving institutional quality. Only then can reduced working hours translate into greater prosperity, not just more free time.

Germany’s model shows us that less can indeed be more—when paired with the right structural foundations.