Countries with a long average working time are more economically successful, but they are also likely to suffer from negative social consequences.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The relationship between a country`s average working hours and its economic and social outcomes is widely debated. Some argue that long working hours drive economic success, while others contend that they generate serious social problems. I believe that although extended working time can contribute marginally to economic growth, the overall impact is overwhelmingly negative due to social and long-term economic consequences.
On the one hand, longer working hours may appear to enhance a nation`s economic performance in the short term. When employees spend more time on the job, total output naturally increases, which can boost national productivity figures. Developing countries, in particular, often rely on long working schedules to accelerate industrialisation and remain competitive in global markets. For example, several East Asian economies experienced rapid growth during periods when average working hours were significantly above global norms. In such contexts, extended labour input can help compensate for limited technological resources and capital.
However, the apparent economic benefits of long working hours are often superficial and unsustainable. Numerous studies show that excessive work leads to burnout, reduced concentration, and lower productivity per hour. As employees become mentally and physically exhausted, their efficiency declines, meaning that more time spent working does not necessarily translate into better results. Economies that rely on overwork may therefore struggle to transition to high-skill, high-innovation sectors where creativity and problem-solving — qualities that thrive under balanced working conditions — are essential.
More importantly, the social consequences of long working hours can be severe. When individuals have little time for family life, leisure, and personal well-being, rates of stress, depression, and chronic illness increase. This not only undermines the quality of life but also places additional strain on national healthcare systems. Families may become fragmented as parents have fewer opportunities to engage with their children, potentially contributing to behavioural issues and declining educational outcomes. Societies characterised by chronic overwork also tend to experience lower birth rates, which can intensify demographic challenges such as population ageing and labour shortages.
In contrast, countries that prioritise shorter working hours—such as those in Northern Europe—tend to achieve both strong economic performance and high levels of social well-being. By investing in technology, efficient management, and worker satisfaction, these nations demonstrate that sustainable prosperity is better achieved through smarter, not longer, work.
In conclusion, while extended working hours may offer some economic advantages in the early stages of development, they ultimately result in diminishing returns and substantial social costs. I therefore disagree with the idea that long working time is a reliable path to national success; balanced working practices are far more conducive to sustainable economic and social health.
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Some people believe that countries with long average work hours are more economically successful, although this may lead to severe social outcomes. I believe that while extended working time can produce short-term economic gains, the long-term consequences are overwhelmingly harmful.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The relationship between a country`s average working hours and its economic and social outcomes is widely debated. Some argue that long working hours drive economic success, while others contend that they generate serious social problems. I believe that although extended working time can contribute marginally to economic growth, the overall impact is overwhelmingly negative due to social and long-term economic consequences.
On the one hand, longer working hours may appear to enhance a nation`s economic performance in the short term. When employees spend more time on the job, total output naturally increases, which can boost national productivity figures. Developing countries, in particular, often rely on long working schedules to accelerate industrialisation and remain competitive in global markets. For example, several East Asian economies experienced rapid growth during periods when average working hours were significantly above global norms. In such contexts, extended labour input can help compensate for limited technological resources and capital.
However, the apparent economic benefits of long working hours are often superficial and unsustainable. Numerous studies show that excessive work leads to burnout, reduced concentration, and lower productivity per hour. As employees become mentally and physically exhausted, their efficiency declines, meaning that more time spent working does not necessarily translate into better results. Economies that rely on overwork may therefore struggle to transition to high-skill, high-innovation sectors where creativity and problem-solving — qualities that thrive under balanced working conditions — are essential.
More importantly, the social consequences of long working hours can be severe. When individuals have little time for family life, leisure, and personal well-being, rates of stress, depression, and chronic illness increase. This not only undermines the quality of life but also places additional strain on national healthcare systems. Families may become fragmented as parents have fewer opportunities to engage with their children, potentially contributing to behavioural issues and declining educational outcomes. Societies characterised by chronic overwork also tend to experience lower birth rates, which can intensify demographic challenges such as population ageing and labour shortages.
In contrast, countries that prioritise shorter working hours—such as those in Northern Europe—tend to achieve both strong economic performance and high levels of social well-being. By investing in technology, efficient management, and worker satisfaction, these nations demonstrate that sustainable prosperity is better achieved through smarter, not longer, work.
In conclusion, while extended working hours may offer some economic advantages in the early stages of development, they ultimately result in diminishing returns and substantial social costs. I therefore disagree with the idea that long working time is a reliable path to national success; balanced working practices are far more conducive to sustainable economic and social health.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Some people believe that countries with long average work hours are more economically successful, although this may lead to severe social outcomes. I believe that while extended working time can produce short-term economic gains, the long-term consequences are overwhelmingly harmful.
To begin with, longer working hours can temporarily increase national productivity. This is particularly true in developing countries where labour is cheaper than technology, meaning that growth still depends heavily on maximising manual effort. In such contexts, extended hours may help countries compete internationally and accelerate industrial development.
However, the disadvantages far outweigh the potential gains. When workers regularly exceed healthy working limits, their productivity per hour drops sharply due to fatigue and declining mental focus. Modern economic success relies on creativity and innovation, both of which require rest and psychological well-being. Therefore, an economy built on exhaustion is fundamentally unsustainable.
Furthermore, the social costs of long working hours are profound. Families have less quality time together, which can lead to emotional distance, mental health problems, and lower birth rates. These issues not only undermine social stability but also create long-term demographic and economic challenges.
In conclusion, although working hours may contribute to early economic development, they create serious social and economic problems in the long run. Countries should prioritise efficiency, technology, and work-life balance rather than relying on outdated models of overwork.
Two band 9 essays, try to highlight essential collocations and phrasal verbs.
t.me/IELTS_Mumin
However, the disadvantages far outweigh the potential gains. When workers regularly exceed healthy working limits, their productivity per hour drops sharply due to fatigue and declining mental focus. Modern economic success relies on creativity and innovation, both of which require rest and psychological well-being. Therefore, an economy built on exhaustion is fundamentally unsustainable.
Furthermore, the social costs of long working hours are profound. Families have less quality time together, which can lead to emotional distance, mental health problems, and lower birth rates. These issues not only undermine social stability but also create long-term demographic and economic challenges.
In conclusion, although working hours may contribute to early economic development, they create serious social and economic problems in the long run. Countries should prioritise efficiency, technology, and work-life balance rather than relying on outdated models of overwork.
Two band 9 essays, try to highlight essential collocations and phrasal verbs.
t.me/IELTS_Mumin
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IELTS AND MULTI-LEVEL.CEFR
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Forwarded from Iroda Shodmonovna
Assalomu alaykum hurmatli blogimiz kuzatuvchilari.
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Men Iroda Shodmonovna , ayni vaqtda Webster Universitetda MA TESOL yo'nalishida o'qiyman. Sizlardan 1 narsani iltimos qilmoqchiman. Menga 27 dekabrgacha blogimda 3 k odam yig'ilishi vazifa qilib belgilangan. Iltimos qilaman sizlardan 5 ta yokida 10 ta ingliz tiliga qiziqadigan tanishlaringizni guruppaga qo'shing. Sizni ishontirib aytamanki , bu blogda ingliz tili o'rganuvchilariga kerakli foydali ma'lumotlar berilib boriladi. Sizning bir yaqin insoningiz sifatida sizdan iltimos qilaman help me .🙏 🙏 🙏
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Forwarded from Multi-level online course
Assalomu alaykum, ertaga soat 20:00da speakingdan dars o'tiladi va o'tilgan darsni Mockda va real examda qo'llash ko'rsatiladi. Vaqtini belgilab qo'yingizlar yana esdan chiqib qolmasin. Bu darsni odamlar pul to'lab sotvolishasdi sizga tekinga ulashaman faqat 1-hafta davomida. 😉
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