There is a common perception that people in Southeast Asia work longer hours than those in the United States and that this results in higher productivity. However, the relationship between hours worked and productivity is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including working conditions, access to resources, and cultural and social norms.

In general, Southeast Asia is known for its long working hours. For example, in Indonesia, the average work week is 48 hours, and in Thailand, it is 46 hours. In contrast, the average work week in the United States is 34.4 hours, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

However, it is important to note that working longer hours does not necessarily lead to higher productivity. In fact, research has shown that there is a point at which working longer hours can actually decrease productivity. This is known as the “law of diminishing returns,” which states that as the amount of a given input (in this case, hours worked) increases, the marginal output (productivity) decreases.

According to data from the World Bank, the average working hours per worker in Southeast Asia is 2,456 hours per year, while the average in Europe is 1,590 hours per year and the average in the United States is 1,781 hours per year. Additionally, countries in Southeast Asia such as Cambodia and Myanmar have some of the lowest GDP per capita but highest working hours.

There are several reasons why this may be the case. For one, working long hours can lead to fatigue, which can decrease cognitive function and make it harder to concentrate and make decisions. Additionally, long hours can lead to increased stress, which can have a negative impact on physical and mental health and ultimately decrease productivity.

It is also important to consider the quality of work environment and access to resources. In some countries in Southeast Asia, working conditions may be less conducive to productivity due to factors such as poor lighting, ventilation, and ergonomics. In addition, employees may not have access to the same resources and technology as those in the United States, which can also affect productivity.

Finally, cultural and social norms can also play a role in the relationship between hours worked and productivity. In some cultures, there may be a strong emphasis on hard work and long hours, while in others, there may be a greater emphasis on work-life balance. These cultural values can influence how employees approach their work and how productive they are.

In conclusion, while people in Southeast Asia may work longer hours on average than those in the United States, this does not necessarily translate into higher productivity. There are many factors that contribute to productivity, including working conditions, access to resources, and cultural and social norms.