Mexican workers spend an average of 73.2% of their time actively producing outputs that make a tangible contribution to their organisation. This compares favourably with UK workers, who spend 57.6% of their time being productive — placing them 14th in an analysis of 37 countries.
After Mexico, South Africa and Colombia (both 66.2%), Denmark (65.6%) and the Netherlands (65%) had the most productive workers. Employees in Portugal (43.3%), Czech Republic (44.5%), Japan (44.7%) and Argentina (46.3%) were least productive, according to the report. The international average for time on task was 58.8%.
Happy workers are productive
The study, Happiness at Work – Maximising Your Psychological Capital for Success, analysed responses from more than 30,000 professionals. It revealed different productivity levels across industry sectors and a clear relationship between worker happiness and personal productivity.
The food service sector performed best with 66.2% time on task and the worst performing sector was biotechnology (53.2%).
As part of the study, the institute measured and analysed components of worker happiness, including energy levels, time engaged and feelings of happiness. The sectors and countries that showed the highest levels of productivity also performed strongly in these indicators.
