It is argued that countries with high average working hours experience greater economic prosperity; however, this may also lead to detrimental effects in the form of negative social repercussions. This essay firmly supports this perspective, as excessive working hours reduce the time available for socializing and foster individualistic traits among people.
Work is an essential activity through which individuals earn a living, and people all around the world dedicate most of their time to it. However, the more time one spends working, the less time is available to connect with family, neighbors, or even acquaintances encountered during daily commutes. Furthermore, working excessively diminishes a person’s empathy towards their surroundings since their attention becomes focused solely on completing tasks. This often results in a lack of awareness about what is happening around them.
For instance, many cases of child abduction have occurred in broad daylight on busy streets where passersby obliviously go about their routines. Many individuals, preoccupied with their phones, fail to notice or respond to alarming situations, such as an abduction, simply because they are too focused on getting to work on time or meeting their targets. When they do notice something unusual, they tend to dismiss it, believing it is not their responsibility to intervene or report it. This lack of response is troubling because, when wrongdoing occurs, it is crucial for the community to act and prevent further harm; addressing such issues should not fall solely on government authorities.
In conclusion, this essay wholeheartedly agrees that there are adverse social consequences when individuals invest excessive time in work, leading to the development of apathetic traits.