What is a "long workday"?
The definition of a long workday varies from country to country. It can be a matter of legal duration, social norms, or simply individual or group perception. In fact, in some countries, like Japan, a 10 to 12-hour workday is often seen as standard, while in France, working for more than 8 hours can already be perceived as excessive (on paper, although many often experience that leaving on time at work is “frowned upon,” but more on that later).
Several factors play a role in the perception of the length of a workday. National culture, for example, is undoubtedly a determining factor. In Japan, the culture of "karoshi" (death from overwork) is infamously recognized, while in Northern European countries like Sweden or Denmark, the work-life balance is highly valued. The industry and hierarchical level are also crucial. In financial services, it's not uncommon to see employees working late into the night, especially in managerial positions. The same is true in startups.
According to 2023 OECD data, Mexico has long held the record for the longest annual working hours with an average of 2,207 hours, followed by Costa Rica with 2,171 hours. On the other end of the spectrum, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands have respective averages of 1,343, 1,380, and 1,413 hours per year. Between these, Canada records 1,865 hours per year, versus 1,799 for the United States. This shows a very different approach to work.
Countries where leaving early is frowned upon
In some countries, leaving the office before your colleagues is seen as a lack of commitment and motivation. This is especially the case in Japan, where employees often stay at the office until their superior leaves, even if they have no more work. In France, the phrase “T'as pris ton après-midi?” (Did you take your afternoon off?) is often directed at those who leave on time. The rise of remote work has not helped this culture, as many employees who work from home have been tempted (and still are) to work long hours since they are already at home. Some employers normalize this, often leading to professional exhaustion, workplace accidents, or even burnout.
Disrespecting these norms can have significant repercussions. For example, in countries where presenteeism is valued, those who leave early might see their career opportunities shrink because they are perceived as less ambitious or dedicated.
Why do people work so much?
In countries with booming economies, like China, extended hours are often necessary to meet market demands. Conversely, in more stable economies like those in Northern Europe, working hours are more regulated, allowing for a better work-life balance.
Individual aspirations and the need for balance are increasingly taken into account. As mentioned earlier (which is most evident in Western countries), the trend is to reduce working hours to improve quality of life. However, social pressure remains strong in other regions, like Asia, to accumulate hours.
In general, working late negatively impacts social and family relationships. The lack of time for leisure and family can lead to frustrations, family conflicts, and social isolation. Paradoxically, studies show that exceeding a certain number of weekly work hours reduces productivity. Indeed, tired (mentally and physically) and stressed workers are less efficient. Consequently, errors increase, thus reducing the quality of work.
Towards a new balance
However, things are beginning to change. In France, for example, the "right to disconnect" law encourages respecting work hours and limiting professional communications outside of office hours. More and more companies are adopting policies that promote a better work-life balance, even in countries traditionally marked by a culture of presenteeism.
The concept of a four-day workweek (while maintaining the same pay) was also extensively tested in the United Kingdom in 2022. It was a real success because 92% of the organizations wanted to continue the experiment, and about twenty companies have permanently adopted this new way of working.
Your choice matters as a prospective expat
For prospective expatriates, the decision to live in a country may also depend on the number of working hours. For example, if you live in Europe and receive a job offer in Mexico or China, if your work-life balance is important to you, it may be necessary to think about your future and what you really want before diving in. Yes, because it can significantly impact your integration into the country and your well-being. Indeed, working many hours might leave less room for social interactions outside of work, to learn about the culture, or to get to know the city you are moving to. Of course, working more can provide more learning opportunities, especially for young graduates or career-minded individuals, and a first experience can be beneficial to test their limits and then apply for more significant positions around the world.
It all comes down to culture, choice, and personal needs.
