10 Countries Where People Don't Work So Hard

Call into question the principle «the more you work – the more you earn». Russians and their post-Soviet brethren are used to burning through multitasking and leaving the office at unchildish hours. The fear of failing a deadline runs in our veins, and we look with envy at Europe, where the economy is booming and people are improving in their business while not sacrificing their personal lives and hobbies. Do you know how many hours a work week lasts in other countries?

Short hours have many perks:

• The person is less tired at work, and therefore works more efficiently without losing enthusiasm.

• The employee is more focused on what they do, and less distracted by social networking or drinking tea with coworkers. Laziness arises from the awareness that the project is complex and it takes a long time to get a rest.

• Man spends more time with friends and family, and his health remains strong.

The Dutch are the most fortunate residents; they have the right to reduce their already small number of working hours and receive an hourly wage. The Netherlands is followed by Denmark and Norway. At the same time, the average hourly wage in Denmark is 30% higher than in the EU as a whole – 37.6 euros per hour. Germans also work short hours, but their productivity remains high. Some German firms have a system that locks computers after 6 hours.

We have dealt with those who go home in the middle of the day. Where do the most hardcore workaholics live? First, in countries that aren't the most developed, like Mexico, Costa Rica, Greece, and Chile. Secondly, in Asian countries, where labor is considered honorable, and vacation more than 5 days a year is indecent. The Japanese, on principle, do not take vacations and consider it their duty to come to the office even on weekends. It was in Asia that the term «karoshi» which means «death by recycling» appeared.

Whatever country you are in, do not forget that time is an irreplaceable resource. If your work isn't appreciated, you don't enjoy it and you don't have the energy to do anything else, ask yourself if it's time to change.