According to OECD data, the Germans work the least number of hours per year, and yet they have close to the top GDP per capita. Out of the countries with big population, only the U.S. has GDP per capita 20% higher than Germany, however at a staggering cost of 35% more hours of work per year.
If the Germans were keen on working as long hours as Americans, then Germany's GDP per capita would be 13% higher than the productivity of Americans and near the very top of all countries.
Conclusion?
Less can be more and “hard work” and “long working hours” do not necessarily mean better and higher productivity.
We should all work less (but smarter) because the proof is in the pudding!