South Korea

South Korea often makes headlines for its demanding work culture. According to the OECD’s 2024 report, South Koreans worked an average of 1,915 hours per year, far above the OECD average of 1,751 hours.

Long working days and high expectations have contributed to widespread burnout and a declining birth rate. In 2023, a Gallup Korea poll revealed that 44% of workers reported feeling chronically overworked.

Despite government efforts to cap weekly working hours at 52, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many employees continue to work unpaid overtime due to intense competition and societal pressure.

Work-life balance in South Korea remains one of the worst globally, with limited time for rest and family.

Japan

Japan’s notorious culture of overwork, called “karoshi” (death by overwork), persists into 2025. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported in 2024 that over 20% of employees regularly work more than 49 hours a week.

The government’s “Premium Friday” campaign, encouraging workers to leave early one Friday each month, has achieved little traction. According to a 2023 survey by Recruit Works Institute, 31% of Japanese workers said they rarely or never take paid vacation.

Many fear negative consequences for prioritizing personal time over work. The result is a high rate of stress-related illnesses and a shrinking workforce, as fewer young people are willing to endure the harsh conditions.

United States

The U.S. continues to rank low for work-life balance among developed nations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2024 that the average full-time employee works about 1,811 hours annually. Only 14% of private-sector workers have access to paid family leave, according to the U.S.

Department of Labor’s 2023 data. A 2024 Pew Research Center study found that 29% of American workers struggle to find time for family and leisure, citing long commutes and unpredictable schedules.

The culture of always being "on" and the rise of gig economy jobs with little job security further erode boundaries between work and life. The lack of guaranteed vacation days or sick leave compared to other developed countries makes the U.S.

one of the toughest places for achieving balance.

Turkey

Turkey’s average annual working hours reached 1,900 in 2023, well above the European average, according to Eurostat. Labor unions have reported widespread issues with unpaid overtime and lack of breaks.

The Turkish Statistical Institute found that 37% of workers feel their job interferes with family life. The economic crisis in 2024 led many employers to increase demands while reducing staff, increasing workloads for remaining employees.

In the booming urban centers like Istanbul, commutes often exceed two hours daily, further eating into personal time. Many Turkish workers have little opportunity to rest or spend time with loved ones.

Mexico

Mexico has one of the longest average workweeks in the world. OECD data for 2024 shows Mexican employees worked 2,128 hours annually—among the highest globally.

The federal labor law allows for just six paid vacation days per year after one year of service. A 2023 study by the National Autonomous University of Mexico found that 56% of workers reported stress due to lack of leisure and family time.

Long hours are common in both formal and informal sectors, with many people holding multiple jobs to make ends meet. The culture glorifies hard work at the expense of personal well-being, making balance nearly impossible for millions.

India

India’s fast-growing economy comes at the price of extremely long work hours and little regulation. In a 2024 survey by TeamLease, 62% of Indian workers confessed to regularly working beyond official hours.

The average urban employee works around 48 hours per week, according to India’s National Statistical Office, with no legal maximum for many sectors. Only 21% of those surveyed in 2023 said they were able to disconnect from work after hours.

The pressure to support extended families, meet rising living costs, and compete in a crowded job market leaves little time for rest, leisure, or self-care.

China

China’s “996” work culture—working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.

Despite government warnings against excessive overtime in 2023, the China Labour Bulletin reports that the practice is still widespread, especially in tech and manufacturing. A 2024 survey by Zhaopin, a leading Chinese job site, found that 58% of urban workers said they have little to no personal time.

The social stigma of appearing “lazy” pressures employees to stay late, while job insecurity discourages taking time off. Burnout and mental health concerns have become major societal issues.

Greece

Greece’s economic struggles have intensified work-related stress in recent years. According to Eurostat’s 2024 labor force survey, Greeks work an average of 2,036 hours annually, making them among the hardest-working in Europe.

High unemployment has forced many to accept poor working conditions and long hours. A 2023 study from the Hellenic Statistical Authority showed that 41% of workers feel their job negatively affects their personal life.

With low wages and high workload, most Greeks struggle to find time for family, recreation, or rest. The pressure to retain employment in a tough job market leaves little room for balance.

Singapore

Singapore’s competitive economy demands long hours from its workforce. The Ministry of Manpower reported in 2024 that residents worked an average of 45.8 hours per week.

The city-state’s high cost of living compels many to work overtime or hold multiple jobs. A 2023 survey by Randstad found that 38% of Singaporeans felt unable to manage work and personal responsibilities.

While there are government initiatives to promote flexible work, cultural expectations keep people at their desks late. The lack of mandatory paid leave and short parental leave policies further compound the problem.

United Kingdom

The UK may surprise some by making this list, but recent trends have seen work-life balance erode significantly. The Trades Union Congress reported in 2024 that UK employees worked an average of 42.5 hours per week, with 3.5 million regularly working unpaid overtime.

Rising living costs and job insecurity, especially since 2023, have pushed people to work longer hours. A 2024 YouGov poll found that 32% of UK workers feel “constantly stressed” about balancing work and life.

The rise of remote work has blurred lines, with many finding it difficult to switch off after hours. Despite flexible work laws, a culture of presenteeism persists in many industries.

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