The work-life balance in Cyprus remains strained, with average weekly hours surpassing the European Union average, as revealed by Eurostat’s latest data.
- The work-life balance in Cyprus remains strained, with average weekly hours surpassing the European Union average, as revealed by Eurostat's latest data.
Work-life balance: Cyprus Workers Log More Hours
According to Eurostat’s employment report for 2025, individuals in Cyprus average 37.7 hours of actual weekly work. This figure places the island above the EU average of 35.9 hours for workers aged 20 to 64, indicating a significant divergence in the labour market between Cyprus and its European counterparts.
Comparative Analysis with the EU
The data highlights a broader trend of decreasing labour duration across the EU, with the average dropping from 36.9 hours in 2015. It’s noteworthy that Greece has the longest working weeks in the EU at 39.6 hours, while Cyprus ranks high, reflecting a general pattern of long working hours in Southern European countries.
Sector-Specific Working Hours
Examining different employment sectors reveals that skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers have the longest commitment, averaging 42.0 hours per week. Managers follow closely with 40.6 hours, while members of the armed forces log 39.4 hours. In contrast, elementary occupations average only 31.8 hours, indicating a pronounced disparity in work commitments across various fields.
Shifts in Employment Patterns
This persistent trend of long hours, particularly in agriculture, stands in stark contrast to the shorter working hours observed in northern European economies, like the Netherlands, which boasts the shortest working week at 31.9 hours. Denmark and Germany follow with averages of 33.9 hours and 34.0 hours, respectively. Such differences highlight the evolving dynamics of the European labour force and the varying standards of work-life balance across member states.
Ongoing Challenges
The data suggests ongoing challenges for workers in Cyprus, who face long hours that may affect their overall well-being. The disparity in working hours between different sectors further complicates the situation, emphasising the need for a reassessment of work practices to improve life quality for Cypriots.
