> the protestant work ethic,

I can't speak for Protestants because the denominations vary (though I doubt they would differ greatly on this point) but for Catholics "works of mercy" is defined as caring for the vulnerable, the elderly and tending the sick. It's not meant to shame those people into guilt.

Additionally, there are many other facets such as the spiritual works of mercy such as comforting the sorrowful or counseling the doubtful.

I think you are perhaps better off putting the blame on the Capitalism hustle culture that forces people to work day and night to be "productive" than Christianity.