Cyprus has been identified as the second-worst country in the EU for long working hours, with 10 per cent of its workforce putting in 49 hours or more per week, according to Eurostat’s latest report. This figure places Cyprus just behind Greece, which has the highest rate at 12.4 per cent.
- These variations raise questions about work culture and economic conditions in different member states, as well as the effectiveness of labour regulations and protections.
- As these statistics reflect broader themes of work culture and economic reality in Cyprus, they also point to the need for ongoing dialogue about work-life balance and employee welfare.
Eurostat’s findings reveal that the EU average of workers engaged in long hours stands at 6.6 per cent. While this data illustrates a concerning trend in both Cyprus and Greece, it also indicates an improvement over the years.
European Trends in Long Working Hours
The report highlights a gradual decline in the percentage of EU workers facing long hours. In 2014, the figure was as high as 9.8 per cent, dropping to 8.4 per cent by 2019. This downward trend suggests that, while long working hours remain a challenge, there is a slow but positive movement towards better work-life balance across Europe.
Comparative Analysis of Member States
In the context of long working hours, Cyprus’s 10 per cent is significant compared to several other EU nations. Following Greece, France is close behind with 9.9 per cent. In stark contrast, countries with the lowest rates include Bulgaria at 0.4 per cent, Latvia at 1 per cent, and Lithuania at 1.4 per cent.
These variations raise questions about work culture and economic conditions in different member states, as well as the effectiveness of labour regulations and protections.
The Self-Employed and Long Hours
Interestingly, the self-employed demographic in Cyprus experiences a much higher incidence of long working hours, with 27.5 per cent working 49 hours or more weekly. This is substantially higher than the 3.4 per cent of employees who report long hours. This disparity raises concerns about the pressures faced by self-employed individuals, who often work longer to sustain their businesses.
Occupational Groups Most Affected
Certain occupational groups are also more prone to long working hours. According to the international standard classification of occupations (Isco), skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers represent the highest percentage at 26.2 per cent. Following closely are managers, with a significant 21.1 per cent also reporting long hours.
As these statistics reflect broader themes of work culture and economic reality in Cyprus, they also point to the need for ongoing dialogue about work-life balance and employee welfare.