Study Reveals the 10 Most Productive Countries in the World

A recent study by Eskimoz ranked the world’s top ten most productive countries by analyzing GDP per working hour, a more precise measure of labor efficiency than GDP per capita alone.

The study selected the 50 countries with the highest GDP per capita (INT$) in 2022 and calculated yearly working hours based on average weekly hours. Worker productivity was then determined by dividing GDP per capita by yearly working hours.

While not factored into productivity calculations, unemployment rates were included for additional context on labor market conditions.

Luxembourg dominates the global rankings, creating $86.4 of value in every hour of work, making it the world’s most productive country. The country has the highest GDP per capita ($137.9K) among the listed countries with a moderate workweek of 30.7 hours, demonstrating that shorter working hours can lead to increased productivity.

Ireland ranks 2nd with $70.8 per working hour, about 18% lower than Luxembourg despite having the third-highest GDP per capita among the top 10. The nation maintains similar working hours to Luxembourg but achieves different productivity levels, highlighting the impact of industry composition on output.

Norway claims third place with $61.7 produced in each hour of work. The Nordic nation achieves this with the third-shortest workweek (27.1 hours) among the top 10, showcasing the effectiveness of its work-life balance approach.

Singapore’s performance places it fourth, producing $50.7 for every hour worked. Despite having the second-highest GDP per capita ($118.8K) in the top 10, its longer workweek of 45.1 hours affects its hourly productivity ranking. The nation maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates at 1.9%.

The Netherlands takes fifth position, generating $48.8 in each hour of labor. With the shortest workweek among all ranked nations at 26.7 hours, it achieves almost the same hourly output as Singapore despite having less than two-thirds of Singapore’s GDP per capita.

Switzerland’s output of $46 for each hour worked earns it sixth place. Its high-value industries and skilled workforce contribute to a strong GDP per capita ($81.6K), though its 34.1-hour workweek is longer than most European peers in the top 10.

Denmark stands at seventh, creating $45.6/hour. Compared to Switzerland, it maintains similar productivity levels with a workweek shorter by about a quarter at 29.5, highlighting the Nordic efficiency model.

The Swedish economy registers eighth place with $41.7 produced every hour.  While it maintains working hours close to Denmark’s 29.5 hours, its hourly output is $4 lower.

Austria’s productivity metrics put it in ninth place at $41.5 per working hour.  It maintains strong productivity through a balanced 29.4-hour workweek, but similar to Sweden, it faces a higher unemployment rate.

Rounding out the top ten, Qatar generates $40.9 in each working hour. Despite having one of the highest GDP per capita among Gulf nations ($102.5K) and lowest unemployment (0.1%), it has the longest workweek which impacts its hourly productivity ranking.

A spokesperson from Eskimoz commented on the study: “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.”