In many countries around the world, a longer working week does not necessarily result in higher levels of productivity

In many countries around the world, a longer working week does not necessarily result in higher levels of productivity. According to the OECD, workers in Mexico, South Korea and Greece have some of the longest annual shifts on the planet, averaging 2,257, 2,024 and 2,018 hours per year respectively in 2015. When it comes to labor productivity in all three countries, however, the story is very different indeed. In 2017, GDP per hour worked across the total economy amounted to just $21.6 in Mexico, $37 in South Korea and $38.9 in Greece.

The OECD uses GDP per hour worked as a measure of labor productivity and it gauges how efficiently labor input is combined with other factors of production and used in the production process. Ireland is at the very top of the scale with a GDP per hour worked of $99.5, followed by Norway with $83.1 and Germany’s $72.2. Interestingly, all three of these countries have substantially less annual working hours on average than the nations mentioned above. The data certainly suggests that the idea of a four-day working week isn’t that far-fetched and could actually boost productivity and match current economic output. Last July, a company in New Zealand conducted a landmark trial of a four-day working week, resulting in a drastic improvement in work-life balance, productivity, heightened commitment and lower stress levels.