Think about a spot the place the rhythm of life flows at a tempo so relaxed that work suits harmoniously across the ebb and move of each day residing. Vanuatu, a tropical paradise within the Pacific Ocean, isn’t simply recognized for its gorgeous seashores and wealthy cultural heritage; it additionally boasts the shortest common workweek on the earth at 24.7 hours. This laid-back method to work, deeply rooted within the island’s tradition, permits its residents to prioritise household, neighborhood, and private well-being over lengthy hours on the workplace.
Whereas many international locations attempt to search out the best steadiness between work and life, Vanuatu stands out as an emblem of simplicity, proving that much less can certainly be extra. The nation’s philosophy contrasts sharply with international locations like India, the place the common work week is 46.7 hours. For the final yr or so, the subject of work-life steadiness has been thrown to the fore a number of occasions, now much more so after the loss of life of EY worker Anna Perayil.
A report by the Worldwide Labour Organisation reveals that India and several other South Asian international locations have a disproportionately excessive variety of staff placing in extreme hours. Bhutan leads the world with 61 per cent of its workforce working greater than 49 hours per week. Bangladesh and Pakistan observe carefully behind, with 47 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.
A report by the Worldwide Labour Organisation reveals that India and several other South Asian international locations have a disproportionately excessive variety of staff placing in extreme hours (File)
India ranks second on this regard, with round 51 per cent of its workforce working over 49 hours weekly. Different international locations with excessive percentages of staff placing in lengthy hours embrace the UAE and Lesotho.
These findings spotlight a major situation within the area, the place a big portion of the workforce is burdened with extreme working hours. This will have destructive implications for worker well being, well-being, and productiveness.
As conversations round psychological well being, well-being, and productiveness develop, extra international locations are rethinking the standard lengthy workweek. Iceland not too long ago trialed a four-day workweek with nice success, discovering that not solely did productiveness stay secure and even improve, however staff reported improved well-being. Spain and New Zealand have additionally experimented with related initiatives, fueling the worldwide motion towards decreased work hours.