Cyprus Has the Longest Working Week in the EU

Cypriots work more hours per week than anyone else in the European Union, according to the latest data from Eurostat, the EU’s official statistics agency.

In 2024, the average workweek in Cyprus remained steady at around 38 hours—above the EU average. Back in 2014, the figure stood at 37.8 hours, while in 2023 it slightly increased to 38.4 hours.

Across the EU, the average number of actual working hours per week for people aged 20 to 64 with a primary job (both full- and part-time) was 36 hours in 2024. This is slightly down from 37 hours in 2014 and nearly the same as 2023’s figure of 36.1 hours.

Greece topped the list with the longest working week at 39.8 hours, followed by Bulgaria (39.0), Poland (38.9), and Romania (38.8).

On the other end of the spectrum, the shortest average workweek was found in the Netherlands at just 32.1 hours. Denmark, Germany, and Austria followed, each with an average of 33.9 hours.

Looking at different economic sectors across the EU in 2024, the longest working weeks were recorded in agriculture, forestry, and fishing (41.2 hours), mining and quarrying (38.8), and construction (38.7).

The shortest working weeks were seen in domestic household services (26.7 hours), education (31.9), and the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector (32.9).

In Cyprus, those working in agriculture, forestry, and fishing clocked the most hours, averaging 44.8 hours per week. They were followed by private household workers (43.9 hours) and those employed in the hospitality and food service sector (42.6 hours).

On the other hand, the shortest workweeks in Cyprus were found in education (32.6 hours), international and regional organizations (34.9), and administrative and support services (35.3).