India Tops Global Unpaid Work Hours Ranking

India has recorded the highest percentage of employees working extended unpaid hours among 36 global markets surveyed in ADP Research’s People at Work 2026 report. The study, conducted in 2025, covered over 39,000 adult workers worldwide.

The report found that 24% of Indian employees work 16 or more unpaid hours every week. Another 40% reported working between six and 15 unpaid hours, meaning nearly 64% of surveyed Indian workers spend at least six additional hours weekly on work without compensation.

Globally, unpaid work hours remain lower. Around 62% of workers reported up to five unpaid hours per week, while 26% worked between six and 15 hours. Only 12% said they worked 16 hours or more without pay.

Among all countries surveyed, India reported the highest share of workers working 16 or more unpaid hours. Turkey followed with 23%, while Austria and the US recorded 21% and 20% respectively. In contrast, countries such as the Czech Republic, China, Taiwan and Japan reported significantly lower levels of extended unpaid work, with only 4% to 6% of employees working 16 or more additional hours weekly.

The report defines unpaid work as time spent on professional tasks beyond paid working hours, including working through breaks or staying late to complete assignments. Senior employees face greater pressure, with around half of upper managers and senior leaders saying they worked at least six unpaid hours a week, while 20% reported working 16 or more unpaid hours.

Remote employees also showed a slightly higher tendency to work longer unpaid hours, with 13% reporting 16 or more unpaid hours compared with 12% among hybrid and office-based workers. ADP noted that longer unpaid hours do not always translate into higher productivity, and employees working excessive unpaid hours were more likely to experience stress and lower workplace satisfaction.

The findings of the report have significant implications for Indian employers and policymakers, highlighting the need to address the issue of unpaid work hours and promote a healthier work-life balance. By doing so, they can improve employee well-being, reduce stress, and increase productivity in the long run.

In conclusion, India's high ranking in unpaid work hours is a concern that needs to be addressed. The report's findings suggest that Indian employees are working longer hours without compensation, which can have negative consequences for their well-being and productivity. It is essential for employers and policymakers to take steps to promote a better work-life balance and reduce the burden of unpaid work hours on Indian employees.

The issue of unpaid work hours is not limited to India, but it is a global problem that affects many countries. However, India's high ranking in this regard suggests that there is a need for urgent attention and action to address this issue. By promoting a healthier work-life balance and reducing unpaid work hours, Indian employers and policymakers can improve employee well-being, increase productivity, and contribute to the country's economic growth and development.

In the context of the Indian economy, the issue of unpaid work hours is closely linked to the country's growth and development. As India continues to grow and develop, it is essential to ensure that employees are working in a healthy and productive environment. By addressing the issue of unpaid work hours, Indian employers and policymakers can promote a better work-life balance, reduce stress, and increase productivity, which can have positive consequences for the country's economy and development.

Overall, the report's findings highlight the need for Indian employers and policymakers to take steps to address the issue of unpaid work hours and promote a healthier work-life balance. By doing so, they can improve employee well-being, reduce stress, and increase productivity, which can have positive consequences for the country's economy and development.

In terms of the global context, the report's findings suggest that India is not alone in facing the issue of unpaid work hours. Many countries around the world are struggling with this problem, and it is essential to share best practices and learn from each other's experiences. By working together, countries can promote a better work-life balance, reduce unpaid work hours, and improve employee well-being and productivity.

The report's findings also have implications for Indian employees, who are working longer hours without compensation. It is essential for employees to be aware of their rights and to take steps to protect their well-being and productivity. By promoting a healthier work-life balance and reducing unpaid work hours, employees can improve their overall quality of life and contribute to the country's economic growth and development.

In conclusion, the issue of unpaid work hours is a significant concern that needs to be addressed in India. The report's findings highlight the need for Indian employers and policymakers to take steps to promote a better work-life balance, reduce unpaid work hours, and improve employee well-being and productivity. By doing so, they can contribute to the country's economic growth and development and promote a healthier and more productive work environment.

The issue of unpaid work hours is closely linked to the concept of work-life balance, which is essential for employee well-being and productivity. By promoting a better work-life balance, Indian employers and policymakers can reduce stress, improve employee satisfaction, and increase productivity. It is essential to recognize that work-life balance is not just a personal issue, but also a business issue that can have significant consequences for the organization and the economy.

In terms of the way forward, it is essential for Indian employers and policymakers to take a multi-faceted approach to address the issue of unpaid work hours. This can include promoting flexible work arrangements, providing employee wellness programs, and encouraging open communication about work-life balance. By working together, Indian employers and policymakers can promote a better work-life balance, reduce unpaid work hours, and improve employee well-being and productivity.

Overall, the report's findings highlight the need for urgent attention and action to address the issue of unpaid work hours in India. By promoting a better work-life balance, reducing unpaid work hours, and improving employee well-being and productivity, Indian employers and policymakers can contribute to the country's economic growth and development and promote a healthier and more productive work environment.

In the final analysis, the issue of unpaid work hours is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution. It is essential for Indian employers and policymakers to work together to promote a better work-life balance, reduce unpaid work hours, and improve employee well-being and productivity. By doing so, they can contribute to the country's economic growth and development and promote a healthier and more productive work environment.

The report's findings also have implications for the global community, highlighting the need for countries to work together to address the issue of unpaid work hours. By sharing best practices and learning from each other's experiences, countries can promote a better work-life balance, reduce unpaid work hours, and improve employee well-being and productivity.

In conclusion, the issue of unpaid work hours is a significant concern that needs to be addressed in India and around the world. The report's findings highlight the need for urgent attention and action to promote a better work-life balance, reduce unpaid work hours, and improve employee well-being and productivity. By working together, countries can contribute to economic growth and development and promote a healthier and more productive work environment.

The issue of unpaid work hours is closely linked to the concept of employee well-being, which is essential for productivity and job satisfaction. By promoting employee well-being, Indian employers and policymakers can reduce stress, improve employee satisfaction, and increase productivity. It is essential to recognize that employee well-being is not just a personal issue, but also a business issue that can have significant consequences for the organization and the economy.

In terms of the way forward, it is essential for Indian employers and policymakers to take a comprehensive approach to address the issue of unpaid work hours. This can include promoting flexible work arrangements, providing employee wellness programs, and encouraging open communication about work-life balance. By working together, Indian employers and policymakers can promote a better work-life balance, reduce unpaid work hours, and improve employee well-being and productivity.

Overall, the report's findings highlight the need for urgent attention and action to address the issue of unpaid work hours in India. By promoting a better work-life balance, reducing unpaid work hours, and improving employee well-being and productivity, Indian employers and policymakers can contribute to the country's economic growth and development and promote a healthier and more productive work environment.

In the final analysis, the issue of unpaid work hours is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution. It is essential for Indian employers and policymakers to work together to promote a better work-life balance, reduce unpaid work hours, and improve employee well-being and productivity. By doing so, they can contribute to the country's economic growth and development and promote a healthier and more productive work environment.