According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mexico leads in the number of hours worked per worker, with 2,137 hours per year. However, despite this high output, Mexico’s productivity is low, at only $22.2 dollars contributed to the economy per hour worked. This is a stark contrast to countries with fewer working hours, such as the United States and Ireland, which contribute $77.1 and $109.5 dollars respectively.
The reason behind this discrepancy lies not only in the number of hours worked but also in how those hours are utilized. Productivity is a complex issue that requires more than just long working hours. Productive employees require a positive work culture, attention to psychosocial risks, and care for their mental health. Workplace presenteeism is a growing problem that affects both employees and companies alike.
Workplace presenteeism occurs when a worker attends their job but their performance is subpar due to factors such as excessive workloads, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout or negative work environments. Affor Health consulting firm notes that companies need to reevaluate their processes post COVID-19 return and recognize that simply responding to emails does not equate to productivity which is closely linked to mental health and organizational climate.
One common trigger of workplace presenteeism is neglecting psychosocial risks in the workplace. Therefore, it’s crucial for companies to assess these risks and implement measures that support their employees’ mental health. Companies can do this by providing resources such as counseling services or promoting healthy work-life balance through flexible schedules or remote work options.
In conclusion, while Mexico may lead in the number of hours worked per worker according to OECD data, productivity is not solely determined by this factor alone