As summer fades and workers return to their desks across Europe, a notable trend emerges: the rise in the number of individuals working long hours. According to Eurostat data for 2024, 6.6% of employees aged 20 to 64 in the EU reported regular hours extending to 49 or more weekly. This figure marks a decline from previous years—8.4% in 2019 and 9.7% in 2014, illustrating a slow but steady reduction in long working hours within the EU. Historically, the peak was in 2005 when 11.7% reported such extensive working weeks. Notably, while the overall EU trend shows improvement, significant variations exist among member states.
Analyzing the data further reveals stark disparities per country. Greece leads the EU with 12.4% of its workforce clocking in long hours, although this is a notable decrease from nearly 20% in 2000. More broadly, when including all European countries, Iceland tops the list with 13.6% of working-age individuals engaged in extensive workloads, a decrease from 35% in the year 2000. Following Greece, Cyprus (10%) and France (9.9%) also report high incidences, with Portugal (9.2%) and Belgium (8.4%) rounding out the top five. Conversely, nations like Bulgaria (0.4%) and the Baltic states, such as Latvia (1.0%) and Lithuania (1.4%), experience significantly lower rates of long working hours.
The likelihood of working long hours is also amplified by gender, employment status, and occupation. Men are more inclined to work long hours, with 9.3% of male employees engaged in such schedules compared to only 3.6% of women. The divide between self-employed individuals and traditional employees is pronounced; over a quarter of self-employed workers (27.5%) engage in long hours, compared to just 3.4% of employees. Among self-employed individuals who employ others, the figure rises to nearly 40%. Certain occupations, particularly in skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery sectors, exhibit even higher rates, with 26.2% working long hours.
Despite the overall decline in long working hours, the health impacts remain a pressing concern. Research from University College London highlights that employees logging over 55 hours weekly face a 33% elevated risk of stroke compared to those working 35-40 hours. A report from the World Health Organization showed that long working hours accounted for approximately 745,000 deaths from strokes and heart diseases in 2016, a concerning 29% increase since 2000. The health repercussions of long hours are both direct—stemming from stress—and indirect, as extended work hours leave less time for healthy activities.
Legislation concerning working hours in the EU is encapsulated in the European Working Time Directive, established in 2003, which stipulates that the average working time including overtime should not surpass 48 hours per week. This directive has sparked ongoing discussions about flexible work arrangements, potential productivity improvements, and the risk of burnout. Interestingly, in light of these discussions, some countries are pursuing shorter workweeks, while others, like Greece, have instituted laws permitting a mandated six-day workweek, diverging from the trend towards reduced work hours.
As Europe transitions back to routine after summer, the contrasting statistics on work hours and their implications reflect broader societal shifts regarding work-life balance, public health, and legislative frameworks. Understanding these dynamics is key to addressing the ongoing challenges associated with long working hours and their effects on workers’ well-being across the continent.
