The lowest values of the work-life index were recorded in Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan and France; the highest were found in Mexico, Brazil and China, according to the survey.
Although they work more than ever, people enjoy their jobs more, and over two fifths say they have enough free time, the study found.
Almost 60% of the world’s employees said they work more than in 2010 and, because of the crisis, have taken on more responsibilities at work than two years ago.
China, India and Germany reported the highest share of employees who said they worked more than in 2010 (5-15 points above the average). Brazil, India and the United States had the most employees or businesspeople answer their workload has increased compared with 2010, while Belgium, Canada and the United Kingdom saw the share of overworked employees going up, according to the study.
Employees in China, India and Germany are also the ones spending the most time away from their families or having little time to themselves. German employees are the unhappiest, while those in China, Belgium and Japan are below the global average in terms of free time.
Brazil, India and China top the ranking of countries where employees said their bosses have taken steps to reduce the amount of time lost in the commute. A very popular decision is helping employees reduce fatigue and unproductive commuting by introducing more flexible working practices, the study says.
The employers making the least effort to reduce their staff’s commute times are to be found in France, Germany and Japan.