Asia's corporate culture hasn't been the most praised in the world due to socially obligated long working hours. But changes are happening as part of corporate culture reform.

Working hours change

Working overtime probably is the number one pain point for employees. Many say that the overtime working is for and as a result of economic growth.

Data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Mexicans work far longer hours than anyone else due to long-standing fears about unemployment. 

South Korea ranked the third most overworked country in the OECD as a result of the country's explosive economic growth. 

China's tech boom gave birth to the "996" culture, or 9 am to 9 pm and six days a week. But as China's economy moderates, this work culture is facing increasing criticism.

The OECD says that its member countries saw working hours at least 10 percent shorter now than in 2000, as the global economy cools.

Companies also introduced reforms on corporate culture to cut down on overtime work. For example, South Korea is promoting casual dress code and a blackout after working hours in office buildings to force office workers to leave.

Culture means money

Besides the working hours, how leaders behave is another factor affecting corporate culture. 

Consulting firm Mercer says in its survey that 61 percent of respondents noted how leaders behave is the number one driver of organizational culture. Business bottom lines are on the line here, according to Mercer. That's because 43 percent of mergers and acquisitions are delayed, scrapped, or discounted due to serious corporate culture issues that make two companies hate each other. 

Dealmakers also said that 30 percent of the deals that survived, failed to achieve financial targets, due to productivity loss, the flight of key talent, and customer disruption triggered by toxic company culture.