Is Bhutan’s ‘happiness first’ philosophy crumbling under overwork?

Bhutan has long won praise from people all around the world for putting people’s well-being ahead of economic progress because to its innovative Gross National Happiness (GNH) concept.

However, the grim reality of overworked workers, mass migration, and inadequate labour rights hides beneath its idyllic exterior. Bhutan is facing a growing gap between its ideals of happiness and the lived experiences of its workers, as the country has the longest average workweek in the world and is seeing an increase in migration due to harsh working circumstances.

The arguments

Economic Growth vs. Worker Well-Being

Although Bhutan’s focus on Gross National Happiness is admirable, the harsh working conditions in the nation show that economic growth comes before the welfare of its employees. Workers in the country’s expanding tourist and service sectors are expected to put in long hours, which separates the ideal of happiness from the reality of burnout.

Brain Drain Undermines the Economy

A lack of opportunities and poor working conditions in the home market are the main causes of Bhutanese workers’ migration, especially among young people. The local economy could be further undermined by this outflow, leaving behind an overworked populace and increasing the strain on those who stay.

Overwork Undermines GNH Philosophy

The fundamental tenets of GNH, which seek to strike a balance between economic growth and happiness and well-being, are in direct opposition to Bhutan’s high rate of overwork. The nation’s capacity to maintain its reputation internationally is threatened by the gap between the philosophical pursuit of happiness and the realities of the labour market.

Weak Labor Law Enforcement Encourages Exploitation

Notwithstanding current labour laws, its non-enforcement fosters a culture in which workers are exploited and compelled to put in excessive hours without the protections that are ostensibly provided. The need for more stringent regulatory control is highlighted by this discrepancy between the law and reality.

Rethinking the Happiness Formula

Bhutan must consider a new strategy that reconciles its national happiness goals with the pressures of modern work life. A system that perpetuates chronic overwork is incompatible with true happiness. Bhutan must take tangible steps to ensure that happiness is not just a slogan, but a lived experience for all citizens.

The facts

According to the International Labour Organisation, Bhutan sadly has the longest average workweek in the world, with 54.4 hours. By World Bank criteria, nearly 60% of Bhutanese workers put in more than 48 hours a week, which is considered overwork.

Brain Drain and Migration

Roughly 64,000 Bhutanese, or 9% of the country’s total population, have left Bhutan in search of better employment opportunities and incomes in nations like Australia. By taking talented professionals out of the local economy, this “brain drain” jeopardises the progress of the country.

Unbalanced Work-Life

Achieving a work-life balance is extremely difficult for many Bhutanese employees. One marketing expert in an interview with Business Insider claimed to put in up to 90 hours a week to provide for his family, frequently forgoing quality time with his kids in favour of extra cash.

Weak Labour Law Enforcement

Although Bhutan’s labour laws stipulate an eight-hour workday and overtime pay, they are not consistently upheld. Employees’ fear of losing their employment causes them to overwork, especially in low- and semi-skilled occupations where replacements are readily available.