India Emerges as One of the World’s Most Overworked Countries, ILO Data Shows

India has emerged as one of the world’s most overworked nations, according to recent data released by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The findings show that Indian workers clock some of the longest average working hours globally, intensifying concerns over burnout, declining well-being, and blurred boundaries between professional and personal life. The data has added urgency to policy discussions on regulating work hours in a rapidly evolving economy.

What the ILO Data Reveals

The ILO’s 2024 assessment places India among countries with the highest average weekly working hours. Indian employees work an average of 45.7 hours per week, placing the country alongside high-intensity labour economies such as Bangladesh, Mongolia, and Iran. The figure is significantly higher than averages in most developed economies, where working hours have steadily declined due to stronger labour protections and productivity-led growth.

Drivers Behind India’s Long Work Culture

Several structural factors contribute to India’s long working hours. A large informal sector, competitive private employment, and job insecurity often compel workers to extend workdays. In white-collar sectors, digital connectivity has normalised after-hours communication, making constant availability an expectation rather than an exception. Cultural attitudes that equate long hours with commitment and productivity further reinforce this pattern across industries.

Policy Debate and the Right to Disconnect

The ILO findings have renewed focus on the proposed Right to Disconnect Bill 2025, which seeks to protect employees from work-related communications outside official hours. Supporters argue that formal boundaries are essential to prevent mental fatigue and chronic stress. Critics, however, caution that rigid rules may affect flexibility in global-facing industries. The debate reflects a broader shift in India’s workforce, particularly among younger employees, towards prioritising work-life balance.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India’s average weekly working hours stand at 45.7 hours, as per ILO data.
• The International Labour Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations.
• India ranks alongside Bangladesh and Mongolia in long-hour work patterns.
• The Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 aims to limit after-hours work communication.

Economic Implications and Workforce Health

Experts note that prolonged working hours do not necessarily translate into higher productivity. Studies link excessive work hours to reduced efficiency, higher healthcare costs, and lower long-term output. As India seeks to position itself as a global economic hub, balancing competitiveness with workforce well-being is becoming a critical challenge. The ILO data highlights the need for reforms that promote sustainable productivity rather than endurance-based work cultures.