Mexico leads in the number of hours worked per worker, but it does not translate to productivity. The country’s workers put in 2,137 hours per year, almost double the number of hours worked in countries like the United States and Canada. However, despite this high number of working hours, Mexico’s contribution to GDP per hour worked is very low at only $22.2 compared to the United States, which averages $77.1. Ireland, with only 1,772 hours worked per year, contributes $109.5 per hour to its economy for each worker.
Yunue Cárdenas, coordinator of the psychology HUB at Affor Health, emphasizes that having productive employees involves more than just working long hours. It requires creating an excellent work culture that supports employee well-being and addresses psychosocial risks. The firm highlights the growing issue of workplace presenteeism – when an employee shows up to work but their performance is low due to factors like excessive workloads, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout or a negative work environment.
To combat presenteeism and improve productivity beyond responding to emails or messages, companies must prioritize mental health care and organizational climate. Lack of attention to psychosocial risks is often the main trigger for presenteeism. Therefore it is crucial for companies to analyze their risks and implement actions to support employee mental health.
In light of returning office post-pandemic many companies are reevaluating their processes and understanding that true productivity goes beyond responding to emails or messages. It is more closely related to mental health care and organizational climate.
