As several countries move towards more flexible and productive work models, The Colombian case continues to be the subject of analysis in international reports.
According to the most recent Compendium of Productivity Indicators 2024 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)Colombia remains among the nations with the highest number of hours worked per person per year, but with considerably low productivity levels compared to the agency average.
(You can read: Labor costs, the growing threat to job creation).
This situation reflects a persistent paradox in the labor market, as people work longer, but produce less value, and although the country has begun to progressively reduce the weekly working day by law, the data show that efficiency and quality of work continue to be structural challenges.
Long hours, low productivity
Despite registering one of the longest working hours within the group of member countries, Colombia continues to present low levels of productivity. According to OECD calculations, The country generates on average between 19 and 20 dollars of GDP per hour worked, while the general average of the organization exceeds 60 dollars per hour.
Job.
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Since 2023, Colombia has applied Law 2101 of 2021, which orders a progressive reduction in the weekly working day without reducing the salary or affecting the rights of workers.
In 2023, the limit went from 48 to 47 hours per week; in 2024, it dropped to 46 hours; In 2025, it was reduced to 44 hours and it is expected that in 2026, the working day will remain at 42 hours per week.matching the standards of several countries of the organization.
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Despite this reduction, the country continues to be among those with the most hours worked in the region and in the organization, surpassed only by economies such as Mexico either Costa Rica.
Countries where the most work is done, according to the OECD
According to the latest global data on working hours from the OECD, corresponding to 2024, and taking into account that Colombia is already at 44 hours per week, these are the countries where the most hours are worked worldwide:
1. Colombia: 2,288 hours a year
Colombia.
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2. Mexico: 2,226 hours
Mexico.
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3. Costa Rica: 2,149 hours
(Continue reading: The 4 professions that AI will not be able to replace in Colombia, according to the technology itself).
Costa Rica.
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4. Chile: 1,963 hours
Chili.
Source: Canva
5. South Korea: 1,901 hours
South Korea.
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6. Israel: 1,891 hours
Israel.
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