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VoxEU Column Labour Markets Working hours around the world23 Sep 2025 Working hours are a fundamental determinant of economic growth and wellbeing, but we still lack a comprehensive picture of how they vary globally and historically. This column presents a new database covering 160 countries, documenting global patterns in hours worked. Hours per adult average 25 per week, with a strong bell shape by age. Women supply 35% of GDP-producing hours. Hours among prime-age adults remain stable with development, with falling male hours offset by rising female labour-force participation. Labour taxes are negatively related to hours worked, likely due to social spending, formal work, and labour regulations. (责任编辑：) |