The World’s Most Overworked Countries Revealed

Across the globe, conversations about work are undergoing a dramatic shift. Terms like “quiet quitting” and “burnout” have moved from HR jargon into everyday language, reflecting the growing unease with the demands of modern work. Rising living costs, blurred lines between office and home life, and constant digital connectivity have left millions questioning whether the traditional model of long hours and relentless productivity is sustainable. 

To better understand this balance, iSelect has analysed data from 26 nations to uncover which are the most overworked countries, and what this reveals about global work-life balance stats in 2025. 

The Top 10 Most Overworked Countries

The analysis shows that some countries consistently push their workers to the limit, with long hours, limited leave, and high stress levels. Both Canada and the United States feature in the top five, showing that despite strong economies and relatively high salaries, North American workers continue to struggle with balance. 

Their rankings help explain why North America records the highest regional overwork score (58.1), compared to Oceania (43.7) and Europe (40.4). 

Despite Europe recording the lowest regional overwork score, looking at a country-by-country basis tells a more complex story. Southern nations such as Greece and Portugal rank among the most overworked, while countries in Northern and Western Europe score much lower, with some even appearing among the least overworked globally. 

Here are the top 10 most overworked countries in 2025:

1. Mexico (64.4) 

Mexican workers put in some of the longest working hours globally, with over 2,300 hours per year on average, while earning the lowest average salary across all 26 countries (AU$ 19,558). Limited leave entitlements add further strain. This troubling imbalance shows employees are giving more time than anywhere else yet receiving the least financial security in return, placing Mexico at the top of our rankings of overworked countries. 

2. Greece (59.4) 

Greece reports high annual working hours (just over 2,000), yet residents earn an average salary of just AU$35,189, one of the lowest in Europe. This imbalance between long hours and low reward is compounded by the highest daily stress levels of all countries in the study (59%). With such a high proportion of workers reporting intense stress, Greece ranks firmly near the top of the most overworked nations. 

3.Canada (57.5) 

Canadians work around 1,955 hours a year, close to the US, but benefit from more paid time off with 21 days annually. Despite this, Canada still ranks higher than its North American neighbour as more overworked, driven largely by the fact that 58% of workers report experiencing high daily stress. Salaries average AUD 81,500, but the figures suggest that paid leave and competitive pay alone aren’t enough to shield Canadians from mounting burnout. 

4. Malta (54.3) 

Maltese employees face some of the highest annual working hours in Europe (over 2,038), despite having 38 days off per year. The trade-off? Salaries are far lower than the European average, at just AU$52,959. Stress is also among the highest, with 58% of workers feeling it daily. 

5. United States (52.5) 

American workers put in nearly 2,000 hours per year, with just 11 public holidays. At the other end of the scale, salaries are the highest, averaging AU$127,830, though half of the workers in the US (50%) still report experiencing significant daily stress. 

Interestingly, searches for “burnout” are relatively low at 12 per 100k population, suggesting that while stress is common, it may be less openly acknowledged or discussed compared to Europe. 

6. Belgium (52.0) 

Despite moderate working time, strict labour protections, and high salaries (AU$84,000), Belgium records high stress (44%) and significant burnout searches (69 per 100k). This shows how expectations and workplace culture can create pressure even when conditions appear fair on paper. 

7. France (49.7) 

French employees benefit from the highest amount of leave in Europe (43 days) but still work around 1,883 hours per year on average. The high volume of burnout-related searches (91 per 100k population, the highest globally) suggests a cultural issue with stress and pressure, despite generous leave policies. 

8. Portugal (46.8) 

With some of the longest working hours by country, 2,048 annually, and one of the lowest average salaries at AU$40,674, Portugal shows a poor balance between time and reward. Even with 37 days of leave, 43% of workers report high stress, suggesting that rest periods can’t fully offset the strain of low pay paired with long schedules. 

9. Germany (45.2) 

Germany looks balanced on paper with relatively fewer annual hours (1,776) and higher salaries (AU$83,977). Yet with 41% still reporting daily stress and high burnout search volumes, the data reveals that balance can’t be measured by hours and pay alone.  

10. Czechia (45.2) 

Czech employees average 2,019 working hours per year, placing them at the higher end of Europe’s workload spectrum. Despite putting in significantly more time on the job than many neighbouring countries, their average salary is just AU$44,545 – less than half of what German workers earn. Reported stress levels are moderate at 39%, but the combination of heavy workloads and comparatively low pay keeps Czechia among the world’s most overworked nations. 

These findings reveal that overwork isn’t defined by hours alone. In some countries, long schedules combine with low pay to create financial strain, while in others, cultural pressures, and workplace expectations fuel high stress despite shorter hours. Across the board, the results highlight how global work-life balance is shaped by both economic and lifestyle pressures — and why overwork remains a growing driver of burnout and poor wellbeing. 

Nordic Nations Lead the Way in Work-Life Balance 

Denmark (18.8) is ranked the least overworked country, followed closely by Norway (27.2). These Nordic nations are known for their generous leave entitlements (35+ days), shorter average working hours (1,704 in Denmark and 1,790 in Norway), and strong workplace flexibility. Family life is actively supported through policies such as generous parental leave and flexible hours, helping people manage childcare, home life, and career demands. 

With salaries among the highest in the study (AU$112,749 in Denmark and AU$150,169 in Norway), employees enjoy security without sacrificing wellbeing. The focus is on efficiency over presenteeism, creating healthier, happier workers who are often more productive per hour. 

The Nordic model proves balance is built into culture, and it benefits both employees and employers. 

Australia Ranks Above the UK For Being Overworked 

Australians sit in the middle of the ranking, coming in 13th out of 26 countries with a score of 42.6. Workers average 1,853 hours per year and earn an average salary of AU$95,574. Moreover, half (50%) of Australians reported significant daily stress. 

The UK, by comparison, sits among the 10 least overworked countries, ranking 17th with a score of 35.6. British employees work more hours on average (1,895 annually) and earn less than Aussies (around AU$74,274), but report slightly lower stress levels at 41%. While many UK workers still struggle to switch off outside work, the overall balance is better than in Australia. 

In some countries, long schedules and low pay create financial strain, while in others, cultural expectations and workplace demands drive stress despite shorter hours. The common outcome is clear: when balance tips too far, health and wellbeing suffer, with burnout, poor sleep, and long-term health conditions becoming the price. 

For individuals, this underscores the importance of setting boundaries, taking leave, and investing in wellbeing. For policymakers and employers, it highlights that sustainable work practices are no longer a perk, but a necessity.