Why Working More Doesn’t Mean Being More Productive?

In Georgia, according to labor regulations, the standard workweek is set at 40 hours, meaning an 8-hour workday. However, data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) for 2023 shows that the actual average working hours per week stand at 41.5 hours. This indicates that many employees exceed the legally defined limit, especially in the some sectors, where competition and project deadlines often require additional hours.

Some industries have particularly high working hours. Sectors such as construction, transportation and warehousing, wholesale and retail trade, administrative services, and public administration tend to have above-average weekly working hours. This means that employees in these fields face an even greater risk of burnout and stress, which directly affects their productivity and well-being.

Long working hours often lead to exhaustion and stress, which not only reduces productivity but also increases the likelihood of errors. Burnout is a serious issue that ultimately harms both the individual and the company. Studies show that people have a limited capacity for focus and energy, and excessive working hours deplete these resources much faster.

In Georgia, it is common to hear stories of people boasting about working until 2 or 3 AM, leaving no time for rest. However, this mindset is exactly why many of them struggle to perform effectively the next day. Many Georgian companies do not encourage employees to take breaks or dedicate specific periods for focused work without unnecessary meetings or constant phone calls.

Productivity starts with proper planning. If an employee knows their key priorities for the day, they are less likely to waste time on secondary tasks. Experts recommend taking short breaks after intense work periods, as the brain cannot maintain maximum concentration indefinitely. Methods like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) help many manage their time more effectively.

If someone works for 10 hours but spends half of that time inefficiently, the results will be far worse than those of someone who works 6-7 hours in a structured and concentrated manner. In Georgia’s business culture, it is essential to recognize that hard work and productivity are not measured by endless working hours. Real success lies in optimizing time and achieving maximum results with smart, rather than excessive, effort.