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News Summary
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The European Union continues to see a decline in long working hours, defined as 49 hours or more per week, according to recent data. As of 2024, 6.6% of employed people aged 20-64 in the EU worked long hours, down from 9.8% in 2014 and 8.4% in 2019. Greece maintains its position as the EU country with the highest percentage of workers doing long hours, with 12.4% of workers falling into this category as of August 2025. Greece also leads the EU in average weekly working hours at 39.8 hours per week in 2024, significantly above the EU average of 36 hours. The overall trend shows a consistent decrease in working time across the EU, with average weekly working hours dropping from 37 hours in 2014 to 36 hours in 2024. This shift reflects changing work patterns, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing emphasis on work-life balance across member states.
Source: Eurostat News
Our Commentary
Background and Context
The European Union’s labor market has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, with a particular focus on reducing excessive working hours. The definition of ‘long hours’ as 49 hours or more per week remains a standard benchmark in EU labor statistics, allowing for consistent tracking of trends across member states. This ongoing shift reflects broader societal changes, including increased awareness of work-life balance and the impact of long working hours on employee health and productivity.
Expert Analysis
The continued decline in long working hours across the EU suggests a positive trend towards more balanced work schedules. However, the persistent high rates in countries like Greece highlight ongoing disparities within the union. The COVID-19 pandemic has likely accelerated this trend, prompting a reevaluation of work patterns and increasing adoption of flexible and remote work arrangements.
Key points:
- The overall decrease in long working hours indicates progress in EU labor policies aimed at improving work-life balance.
- Greece’s consistently high rates of long working hours suggest structural economic factors that may require targeted policy interventions.
- The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for change in work patterns, potentially contributing to the sustained reduction in average working hours.
Additional Data and Fact Reinforcement
Recent statistics reinforce the ongoing trends in EU working hours:
- The EU average working week stands at 36 hours as of 2024, down from 37 hours in 2014.
- Greece leads with an average working week of 39.8 hours, followed by Bulgaria (39.0) and Poland (38.9).
- After Greece (12.4%), Cyprus (10.0%) and France (9.9%) have the next highest shares of workers doing long hours.
Related News
The European Commission proposed a directive in April 2024 to regulate telework and establish a “right to disconnect,” addressing concerns about unlimited working time pressures in the digital age. Additionally, a December 2024 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union reinforced the obligation for employers to accurately record working time, emphasizing compliance with maximum working hours and rest periods.
Summary
The EU’s labor market continues to evolve, with a clear trend towards reduced working hours across most member states. While progress is evident, significant variations persist, with Greece standing out as an exception to the general trend. As the EU moves forward, balancing economic needs with worker well-being remains a key challenge, particularly in light of new work paradigms emerging in the post-pandemic era.
