Top 10 most productive countries in the world

A recent study by Eskimoz has ranked the top ten most productive countries globally based on GDP per working hour.

The study selected the 50 nations with the highest GDP per capita in 2022 and analysed productivity using yearly working hours.

“There is a fundamental shift in how nations approach economic output. Strong social policies and strategic investment in worker well-being are creating more productive economies than traditional long-hour work cultures. The financial sector remains a key driver of high productivity, but it’s the emphasis on work-life balance that distinguishes the leading economies. Most striking is that top-performing nations generate nearly double the hourly output while working up to 40% fewer hours than their counterparts at the lower end of our rankings.” the report reads

Read also: Top 10 countries where workers generate the most GDP per hour

The findings highlight the efficiency of labour in different economies, considering both GDP per capita and the number of hours worked annually.

Here are the top 10 most productive countries in the world

1. Luxembourg

Luxembourg ranks as the most productive country in the world. It generates $86.4 per working hour, with a GDP per capita of $137.9K. The country maintains a moderate workweek of 30.7 hours, showcasing high efficiency in output per hour. Luxembourg’s workforce achieves high productivity despite shorter working hours.

2. Ireland

Ireland is the second most productive country, producing $70.8 per working hour. It has a GDP per capita of $114.1K and an annual working hour total of 1,612. Despite having a workweek similar to Luxembourg, Ireland’s industry composition affects overall output.

Read also: Top 10 countries where workers are thriving most– Study

3. Norway

Norway ranks third, with $61.7 generated per working hour. The country has a GDP per capita of $86.9K and one of the shortest workweeks among the top 10 at 27.1 hours. The efficiency of its workforce reflects the effectiveness of its labour market policies and work-life balance approach.

4. Singapore

Singapore places fourth, with $50.7 per working hour. Despite having the second-highest GDP per capita in the ranking at $118.8K, its longer workweek of 45.1 hours impacts hourly productivity. The country maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates at 1.9%.

Read also: Top 10 countries with the best work-life balance in 2024

5. Netherlands

The Netherlands ranks fifth, generating $48.8 per working hour. It has the shortest workweek among the top 10 at 26.7 hours. Despite a GDP per capita of $67.7K, its workforce achieves productivity levels close to Singapore.

6. Switzerland

Switzerland takes the sixth position, with $46 per working hour. The country has a GDP per capita of $81.6K and an annual working hour total of 1,773.2. Its high-value industries and skilled workforce contribute to its productivity levels.

Read also: Top 10 African countries with the highest worker stress rate

7. Denmark

Denmark ranks seventh, with $45.6 produced per working hour. The country maintains a workweek of 29.5 hours, slightly longer than Norway’s but shorter than Switzerland’s. Its labour efficiency aligns with other Nordic nations.

8. Sweden

Sweden ranks eighth, generating $41.7 per working hour. The country has a GDP per capita of $63.3K and an annual working hour total of 1,518.4. Despite working hours similar to Denmark, its productivity is slightly lower.

Read also: 10 countries in Africa with the lowest worker stress rate

9. Austria

Austria is ninth, producing $41.5 per working hour. It has a GDP per capita of $63.4K and an annual working hour total of 1,528.8. The country balances strong productivity with a 29.4-hour workweek but faces a relatively higher unemployment rate.

10. Qatar

Qatar rounds out the top ten, generating $40.9 per working hour. The country has a high GDP per capita of $102.5K and the lowest unemployment rate in the ranking at 0.1%. However, its longer workweek impacts its hourly productivity.