Countries by Average Annual Working Hours 2024

About This Dataset

Countries ranked by average annual working hours per employed person in 2024 according to OECD Employment Outlook data. Mexico consistently records the longest average working hours of any OECD member, while Germany and the Netherlands record the shortest — reflecting strong union protections and cultural attitudes toward work-life balance.

✨ AI Insight

The data reveals a pronounced disparity in working hours among OECD countries, with Mexico's average of 2,226 hours standing out significantly against Germany's 1,349 hours. This gap of 877 hours underscores the cultural and structural differences in labor practices. Countries like Costa Rica and South Korea, with averages of 2,149 and 1,901 hours respectively, also emphasize a trend where economic pressures may compel longer work hours. In contrast, Germany and the Netherlands exemplify a commitment to work-life balance, likely influenced by strong labor unions and progressive workplace policies. This trend suggests that nations prioritizing employee welfare may foster greater productivity and job satisfaction over time.

Source: OECD

Key Findings

Auto-computed highlights from this dataset

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Mexico leads with 2,226 in 2024.

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Average value in 2024: 1,794 · median: 1,839.

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Gap in 2024: Mexico is 1.7× larger than Germany.