countries with a long average working time are more economically successful, but they also likely to
suffer from negative social consequences. To what extend do you agree or disagree?
Many people hold the belief that numerous countries will gain huge benefits, in terms of economic
development, by persistent hours labouring. However, besides the financial advantages it offers,
these detrimental outcomes can precipitate threatening to societal health issues. From my
perspective, I do concur with this notion and this can raise contentious and multifaceted issue of
whether such a length of working should be considered to be organized appropriately to guarantee
humanity well-being.
On the one hand, civic acceleration can be engendered with the support of surplus amount of
finance stemming from high-productive workforce. Predicating on the fact that these individuals
deserve to own the best services which is equitable to their contribution to the society. Thus,
squandering huge budget time for working means that the incomes should be adequate and
successfully solve societal problems existed, particularly education or healthcare system. Given that
governments can gain significant income by constantly operating, it is likelihood that the political
offices will leverage this source of money to subsidize into vital spheres. This is further evidenced by
the motivation of the governments who wholeheartedly concentrate into thriving economy in
countries. Furthermore, the onus is on the leading position to tackle with social unrest and address
holistically humans’ desire engendering people undeniably treated equally and highlight civic
enhancement.
On the other hand, the potential for mental well-being cannot be underestimated. In the ever-
changing world, both youngsters or elders have to shoulder heavy responsibilities and independently
deal with a multitude of aspects in life such as family, fiscal problems, education and so on.
Therefore, this precipitates a burden of managing proficiently to prove their cognitive maturity,
along with heavy workloads in the long period can deleteriously give rise to burnout and unbridled
performance at work. This not merely translates to reduction in their income and productivities but
also causing unhealthy obsession which can generate invisible mentally barriers in the long run.
In conclusion, I totally agree that while thriving financial effectively requires long hours performing
at work, those people can receive similarly what they have traded. Netherless, it is likely that the risk
of mental well-being is worth mentioning and focusing due to its negative influence all their process.
Ultimately, government should provide suitable policies which prioritize health working environment
on the top by shortening the amount of time spent and effective production.
The allure of economic prosperity often leads nations to champion extended working hours.
While this approach undeniably fuels GDP growth, its ramifications for societal well-being
pose a complex and multifaceted challenge. This essay contends that while prolonged work
hours can generate economic gains, the potential detriment to social cohesion and mental
health necessitates a recalibration towards a more balanced approach.
On the one hand, there is a compelling argument that a nation's economic engine thrives on a
productive workforce. Lengthy working hours translate into higher output, potentially
propelling a country towards economic dominance. Governments can leverage this increased
revenue to bolster crucial social services like healthcare and education. For instance, the
Asian Tigers – South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong – all witnessed rapid
economic development fueled partly by a culture of long working hours. This translated into
significant investments in infrastructure and education, laying the groundwork for sustained
prosperity. Moreover, longer working hours can empower individuals. As incomes rise,
people gain greater access to essential resources, fostering a sense of personal agency and
upward mobility.
However, the pursuit of economic success at the expense of societal well-being is a Faustian
bargain. An unrelenting work culture can erode the very fabric of a society. Firstly, extended
work hours erode family time and social interaction. This can lead to a breakdown in social
support systems, fostering a sense of isolation and loneliness. Studies in Japan, a country
notorious for its "karoshi" (death from overwork) phenomenon, have shown a rise in social
withdrawal and depression. Secondly, chronic stress associated with long working hours can
lead to burnout, ultimately hampering productivity. Exhausted workers are prone to errors
and decreased cognitive function, negating the purported benefits of extended hours.
Therefore, striking a balance between economic growth and societal well-being is paramount.
Governments should champion policies that promote work-life balance. This could include
mandating shorter workweeks, encouraging flexible working arrangements, and promoting a
culture of disconnecting after work hours. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation can
lead to increased efficiency, potentially allowing for higher output without resorting to
extended working hours. Denmark, for instance, boasts a high standard of living despite
relatively short working hours, thanks to its focus on productivity and technological
advancement.
In conclusion, while long working hours offer a path to economic growth, the potential
erosion of social cohesion and mental health necessitates a more nuanced approach. By
prioritizing work-life balance and fostering innovation, nations can achieve economic
prosperity without sacrificing societal well-being.
