List of 9 Countries with Least Working Hours in 2025 Update!

Countries with the Least Working Hours in 2025: Working fewer hours doesn’t mean less productivity. Your working hours help you plan your activities and contribute to your well-being. People with less working hours are comparatively more content and productive than others with more working hours.

According to the report conducted by the Autonomy Institute 2021, it showed that less working hours either maintained or increased productivity and service provision improved workers’ well-being and work-life balance. Let’s read about 9 countries with the shortest average weekly hours, revealing how they support rest, family time, and better quality of life.

List of 9 Countries with the Least Working Hours in 2025

The global average weekly working hours by countries varies widely, with some offering significantly shorter hours while maintaining high productivity. Yemen tops the list with just 25.9 hours weekly, followed closely by European nations known for their strong work-life balance policies. Here is the detailed breakdown:

(Source- WPR Average Workweek by Country 2025)

Working hours in different countries per day vary from 25 to 50 hours. Many countries promote less working hours in 2025 along with work-life balance. These countries demonstrate a strong culture of balance, where shorter workweeks contribute to greater wellbeing and productivity.

List of 9 Countries with the Least Working Hours in 2025

According to the recent study of Aviva Group, after the 2020 Pandemic more workers were attracted to their current role for the work-life balance and less working hours than their salary. Here is in-depth knowledge about each countries in the list of Countries with the Least Working Hours.

Yemen

Yemen tops the list of 9 countries with least working hours with 25.9 average weekly hours worked in 2025. This highlight the country’s work-life balance and well-being of a person they promote. Most work is driven by necessity, with many jobs rooted in agriculture and informal sectors, reflecting limited economic diversification.

Netherlands

Average Weekly Hours Worked 2025 for Netherlands is 26.8 hours. Famous for its exceptional work-life balance, the Netherlands ranks second in countries with least working hours. Flexible schedules and widespread part-time employment, especially among women, support a happier and highly productive workforce.

Norway

Norway ranks third in countries with least working hours with 27.1 Average Weekly Hours Worked 2025. Norway’s relatively low average working hours are a testament to its strong social safety net and labor protections. The culture prioritizes personal well-being and family time, leading to both high productivity and a strong sense of life satisfaction.

Austria

Austria features moderately short workweeks, with 28.4 hours in Average Weekly Hours Worked 2025. This balance is influenced by progressive labor laws and a commitment to social welfare, offering employees ample time for leisure and personal pursuits.

Denmark

With 28.8 Average Weekly Hours Worked 2025, Denmark ranks on 5th positions in countries with least working hours. Danish workers benefit from a culture rooted in trust and flexibility, resulting in fewer hours spent at work. Job-sharing and family-friendly policies underpin Denmark’s top global rankings for work-life balance and general happiness.

Finland

In the list of Countries with the Least Working Hours in 2025, Finland ranks 6th with 28.8 hours. Finland’s approach to work is shaped by strong employee protections and an emphasis on equality. With men and women working similar weekly hours, the Finnish system reflects enduring values of fairness and collective well-being.

Vanuatu

In Vanuatu, average weekly work hours are 29, similar for men and women due to the island nation’s dependence on agriculture and tourism. Family and community activities play a large role, with many working to support both modern and traditional ways of life.

Mozambique

Mozambique’s average weekly working hours of 29 hours ranks the 8th in the countries with least working hours. The nation’s labor force is predominantly engaged in agriculture, often requiring long days to achieve basic economic stability.

Sweden

Sweden maintains a healthy work-life balance, reflected in its moderate weekly hours of 29.3 hours. Sweden ranks 9th in the list of countries with least working. Strong parental leave, generous vacation policies, and support for gender equality make Sweden a model for progressive labor standards worldwide.

What Makes These Countries Work Less and Live Better?

Many of these countries have government policies supporting flexible work hours, vacation time, and social benefits. In European nations, labor laws strictly limit working hours, promoting family time and leisure. Meanwhile, Yemen’s shorter hours reflect economic and regional factors. Such diversity highlights the complex factors influencing work culture globally.

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Conclusion

The nine countries with the least working hours in 2025 provide valuable insights into how work-life balance can be prioritized. From Yemen to Sweden, shorter workweeks foster healthier, happier, and more productive societies, setting examples for countries aiming to improve employee wellbeing.

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