Describe the 90-hour workweek: Which countries work the least hours, and where does India rank?

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S N Subramanian has created a storm with his latest proposal calling for a 90-hour workweek, including Sundays, to maintain competitiveness.

The controversial proposal comes against the backdrop of growing concerns about the risks of overwork, highlighted by the tragic death of 26-year-old EY employee Ana Sebastien Perael last year.

She reportedly succumbed to the pressure of long working hours, after only four months on the job.

Globally, working hours vary widely, with Bhutan topping the list of countries with the longest weekly working hours. According to the International Labor Organization, employees in Bhutan work an average of 54.4 hours per week, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 50.9 hours, and Lesotho with 50.4 hours.

In stark contrast, Vanuatu emerged as the country with the shortest working week, with employees working an average of just 24.7 hours per week. Only 4% of Vanuatu’s workforce works more than 49 hours per week, a sharp contrast to the global trend.

source: Wage and Working Time Statistics Database (COND), ILOSTAT

Other countries with the lowest working hours include Kiribati (27.3 hours), Micronesia (30.4 hours), and the Netherlands (31.6 hours), known for its progressive work-life balance policies.

India, which ranks as the 13th most stressful country in the world, sees its workforce working an average of 46.7 hours per week. More than 51% of Indian employees work 49 hours or more per week, placing the country second globally in terms of long working hours.

A study by MediBuddy and CII found that 62% of Indian employees suffer from burnout, three times the global average of 20%.

The controversy over excessive working hours has raised concerns about productivity, health and work-life balance. Research by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization identifies long working hours as the highest occupational risk factor, contributing significantly to morbidity and premature death.

These results challenge the idea that more hours worked leads to greater production.

While Subramanian’s comments sparked backlash, they underscore the ongoing tension between economic ambitions and employee well-being.