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Overworked: Cyprus Among The EU’s Heaviest Hit With Long Working Hours

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 9, 2025

In the European Union, working long hours is a reality for millions. While the EU average workweek stands at 36 hours, the figures vary significantly from country to country.

Eurostat defines “long hours” as 49 or more per week, a category that applies to 7.1% of the EU workforce. Among the EU countries, the highest rates of long working hours are seen in Greece (11.6%), Cyprus (10.4%), and France (10.1%).

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The figures show a sharp contrast between self-employed individuals and employees, with 29.3% of the self-employed working long hours compared to just 3.6% of employees. Outside the EU, Turkey has the highest rate, with 27.2%, followed by Iceland with 13.8%.

Percentage of people working at least 49 hours a week

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Which Countries Have The Longest Working Week?

Turkey has the longest average working week at 44.2 hours, followed by Serbia (41.7 hours), Bosnia and Herzegovina (41.4 hours), and Greece (39.8 hours). The EU average, meanwhile, is 36.1 hours.

The sectors with the longest working hours are predominantly manual, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing leading the charge with an average of 41.5 hours per week, followed by mining and quarrying (39.1 hours), and construction (38.9 hours). Conversely, the shortest workweeks are found in the Netherlands (32.2 hours), Austria (33.6), and Germany (34.0).

Average working hours per week

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What’s The Situation In Cyprus?

In Cyprus, the working hours reflect a balance between the Mediterranean work culture and the global demand for productivity. With 10.4% of the workforce engaged in long hours (49 or more per week), Cyprus is among the countries with the highest rates in the EU. However, the overall average working week in Cyprus is relatively close to the EU average, standing at around 38.5 hours.

Similar to other EU countries, self-employed Cypriots are more likely to work longer hours compared to employees. Professions in sectors like agriculture, construction, and retail drive much of this statistic, as these industries often require extended working hours to meet demand.

Despite this, Cyprus has made strides in improving work-life balance, particularly in sectors outside of manual labor, where shorter working weeks are becoming more common. However, the island’s economic structure, heavily influenced by tourism and service industries, continues to push for longer working hours in certain areas, especially during peak seasons.

In conclusion, while Cyprus ranks high in terms of long working hours within the EU, ongoing efforts to modernize work practices and improve labor rights are expected to gradually alter the dynamics of work-life balance on the island in the coming years.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.