Mexico leads in the number of hours worked, according to the OECD, but this does not translate to productivity. With 2,137 hours per year per worker, Mexico almost doubles the number of hours worked in countries like the United States and Canada. However, the contribution to the GDP per hour worked is very low at only $22.2, compared to countries with fewer working hours like the United States, which averages $77.1. Ireland, with only 1,772 hours worked per year, contributes $109.5 per hour to its economy for each worker.
Yunue Cárdenas, coordinator of the psychology HUB at Affor Health, highlights the importance of having productive employees which goes beyond the number of hours worked. It involves creating an excellent work culture, addressing psychosocial risks, and paying attention to the mental health of employees.
Workplace presenteeism has become a growing issue that affects both employees and companies. It refers to when an employee shows up to work, completes tasks, but their performance is low. Affor Health, a consulting firm specialized in psychosocial preventive management, states that presenteeism is impacting the productivity of companies and can be caused by factors like excessive workloads, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and a negative work environment.
In light of the return to offices after the pandemic, many companies are reevaluating their processes and understanding that true productivity goes beyond responding to emails or messages. It is more closely related to mental health care and organizational climate. Lack of attention to psychosocial risks in the workplace is often the main trigger for presenteeism, so it is crucial for companies to analyze their risks and implement actions to support the mental health of their employees.