Association between working hours, work engagement, and work productivity in employees: A cross-sectional study of the Japanese Study of Health, Occupation, and Psychosocial Factors Relates Equity.

Abstract in brief

• The study investigated how working hours, work engagement, and work productivity are related among Japanese employees, finding that work engagement positively influences productivity regardless of working hours.
• Initially, working 40 to 50 hours or more per week appeared linked to higher productivity, but this link disappeared after accounting for work engagement, indicating engagement plays a more critical role.
• The findings suggest that work engagement, rather than the number of hours worked, is a key factor in boosting productivity, and it doesn't change how working hours impact productivity but somewhat weakens their relationship.