Top 10 Countries with the Shortest Average Annual Working Hours, Check Rankings!

Germany currently has the shortest average annual working hours in the world in 2025, with just 1,340 hours. It is followed by the Netherlands (1,440 hours) and Austria (1,443 hours), making these countries leaders in work-life balance. The work satisfaction increased to an extent that they eventually became happier societies. Let’s explore the top 10 countries with the shortest average annual working hours in 2025, and why this matters.

List of Top 10 Countries with Shortest Average Annual Working Hours

(Credits:Britannica, Visual is of Frankfurt am Main, Germany)

Many countries are now prioritising work-life balance, resulting in shorter annual working hours for employees. The table below highlights the top 10 nations where workers spend the least time on the job, while still maintaining high productivity and economic output. According to World Population Review, the countries that rank among those with the shortest average annual working hours in 2025 are:

Source: World Population Review – Average Annual Working Hours by Country

Here are the top 5 Countries with fewer working hours explained: 

1. Germany 

Germany leads globally in the shortest working hours. This is all because of strong labour laws, generous paid leave, and a focus on efficiency. In addition to this, companies like BMW and Siemens prioritise results over time spent in the office that boosts both productivity and employee satisfaction.

2. Netherlands 

The Dutch embrace a culture of part-time work, particularly among parents and students. The country usually offers the most flexible schedules. This is often accompanied by widespread remote working options that allow employees to maintain an excellent work-life balance without sacrificing career progression.

3. Austria 

Austria’s focus on labour protection and work-hour regulations ensures employees are not overburdened. Usually, the Austrians enjoy four to five weeks of paid vacation, which leads to a balanced lifestyle.

4. Belgium 

Belgium also has shorter workweeks which are reinforced by strong unions and a legal framework that limits overtime. Apart from this, cities like Brussels and Antwerp, businesses encourage productivity through structured working hours rather than long days.

5. Denmark 

Denmark combines high productivity with a shorter workweek, which is often around 37 hours. the country provides flexible work arrangements and a societal emphasis on family time, making Denmark one of the happiest countries for employees.

Also Read: List of Countries with most Successful Tennis Players 

6. Norway 

With strong labour laws, high wages, and generous welfare benefits, Norwegians enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Shorter hours don’t affect productivity because Norway focuses on efficiency and high-value industries such as oil, technology, and services.

7. Finland

Finland lays strong emphasis on worker well-being and progressive labour policies. It is often cited as a model for “smart work” rather than “long work.”

8. Switzerland 

Swiss workers balances a robust economy with shorter hours by relying on highly skilled labour, advanced banking and finance sectors, and a focus on precision industries like pharmaceuticals and watches. 

9. Canada

Canada’s average working hours are among the lowest globally with regulated working conditions, paid leave policies, and an emphasis on work-life balance. The country also invests heavily in technology and services, which helps maintain high productivity with fewer working hours.

10. Japan 

Japan was once known for overwork but in recent years it has seen a significant decline in annual working hours. It now averages around 1,607 due to government reforms, automation, and cultural shifts have reduced the traditional “salaryman” overwork. 

Additional Takeaways:

• Countries in the “Short” category offer models for balancing efficiency with reduced work stress, making them appealing for global talent and expatriates seeking work-life balance.

• The “Long” category nations demonstrate how high productivity can coexist with longer working hours, though lifestyle outcomes may vary.

• Understanding these differences helps businesses, policymakers, and employees make informed decisions about global work trends and workforce management.

• Europe Leads in Short Working Hours with Germany at the top, while the Netherlands and Austria combine strong labour laws with high productivity. It sets examples for work-life balance countries.

• Shorter working hours contribute to happier and more efficient societies. Flexible schedules and the rise of 4-day work weeks reflect a global shift toward balancing productivity with personal well-being.

Also Read: Top 9 Poorest Countries in Asia by GDP PPP Here!

Conclusion 

The answer to the question of why shorter working hours matter is that countries with fewer working hours often experience higher employee satisfaction, better mental health, and improved productivity. Therefore, organisations in these nations always focus on results rather than hours clocked. This also leads to a model for countries seeking more efficient and balanced work cultures.

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