Many countries around the world grapple with the issue of overworked individuals, a phenomenon that can have significant social, economic, and health implications.


The prevalence of overwork is often characterized by excessively long working hours, limited work-life balance, and a culture of relentless dedication to one’s job.

This can lead to heightened stress levels, burnout, and adverse effects on personal relationships.

While it’s essential to maintain a strong work ethic, it’s equally crucial to strike a balance between work and personal life.

Several countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and the United States, have garnered attention for their high rates of overworked citizens.

1. Mexico

This country is amongst the most overworked countries as the average annual hours worked here is 2148 where 28.7% of Mexican employees work for more than 50 hours per week.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica comes in second as the people here work for 2121 hours per year.

3. South Korea

South Koreans work for 1993 hours per year. South Korea is another nation with a strong work culture. It’s not uncommon for South Korean employees to work extended hours, which has led to concerns about stress and health. In response, the government has initiated policies to promote work-life balance. In 2018, the South Korean government even tried to reduce the work hours per week from 68 to 40 hours.

4. Russia

Russia is the fourth most overworked country where employees work 1972 hours per year.

5. Japan

Japan is infamous for its culture of overwork, referred to as “karoshi.” Many Japanese employees work excessively long hours, often well beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. This intense work ethic is linked to health issues, and the government has been making efforts to address the problem.

6. China

China has a reputation for having a rigorous work culture, with a significant portion of the workforce working long hours. Rapid economic growth has led to increased work pressures and expectations.

7. United States

The United States is known for its strong work ethic and a culture that sometimes prioritises long working hours. Factors such as job insecurity, a competitive job market, and a lack of mandatory paid leave contribute to the overworked population.