The Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development revealed new statistics of the working population, and part of the results showed that Mexicans are the hardest working people, with shifts that last up 10 hours daily or more.

The result includes paying hours as well as non-paying, talking about work done at home. In Belgium, the shifts are much shorter with shifts lasting 7 hours. Japan on the other side, consolidated itself as the country where employees receive a higher paycheck.

As mentioned by Guadalupe Loaeza in her column at the newspaper "Reforma", it's time to change the stereotypical image of the farmer asleep under a cactus in the field (and a fact that can be confirmed by almost every citizen), Mexicans rely on more than one job, and sometimes can end up working 7 days a week and not exactly with the highest paychecks.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Luis Rubio, President for the Development investigation center, pointed out that these are not encouraging signs, and actually show lack of efficiency and slow development. "The environment that Mexicans work in tends to demand a greater effort" and he highlighted that Productivity in Mexico is lower due to the poor conditions workers have to carry on their labor.

Work benefits, days off, vacation time, tools required to perform the task assigned, incentives to create new companies and less bureaucracy, were some of the key points that need to be addressed, something that will be imperative so that Mexico can reach the next level.

These characteristics, are also valid for Mexicans who reside and work outside of the country, which is why the work culture extends far beyond that of the borders.

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com