The country’s current 45-hour maximum workweek has been shown to be some of the longest working hours in the world.
Following a recent study conducted by Oxford University, the Department of Employment and Labour , quoted in Business Tech, says “there is room to conduct further research on work hours in South Africa” and a need to “investigate the feasibility of reducing them.”
The study found that the average working week in South Africa is 48 hours, with many workers putting in even longer hours.
It also found that the long working hours were driven in part by the country's high levels of income inequality. Workers who are paid hourly or daily wages often feel compelled to work long hours in order to make ends meet, while those in more secure, salaried positions may also work long hours due to a culture of overwork and a lack of work-life balance.
Long working hours have been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, long working hours can lead to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism as workers become exhausted and burnt out.
The research by Oxford University has shed light on the need for policies in South Africa that promote work-life balance and help to improve the health, well-being, and productivity of its workers, and promote a more equitable and sustainable economy.
