A recent statement by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has set the stage for a debate about work productivity and the merits of long working hours, a topic that resonates with many in our fast-paced world.
But, surprisingly, data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that Indians are already among the hardest workers globally, dedicating an average of 47.7 hours per week per employed individual as of 2023.
What's more, when this number is stacked up against the ten largest economies worldwide, India takes the lead with the lengthiest average workweek.
Globally, India secures the seventh position, with only a handful of nations surpassing the Indian work ethic, including Qatar, Congo, Lesotho, Bhutan, Gambia, and the United Arab Emirates. This data has piqued the interest of the International Labour Organization, which is reportedly considering the production of an India-specific report on working hours.