New Eurostat figures for 2024 reveal surprising patterns in actual working hours across Europe, dispelling common assumptions about national work ethics.
The statistics measure hours actually worked rather than contractual obligations, reflecting the impact of part-time employment on national averages.
The data shows Europeans work an average of 36 hours weekly. Among Luxembourg and its neighbours, French workers log the most hours (35.8), narrowly outpacing Luxembourg (35.7), Belgium (34.5), and Germany (33.9). However, Germany’s figure rises to 38.8 hours when considering only full-time workers – matching the EU average and exceeding France’s 38.3 hours.
The rankings overturn several stereotypes: Greek workers lead Europe at 39.8 weekly hours, followed by Bulgaria (39), Poland (38.9), and Romania (38.8). Conversely, the Netherlands reports the shortest workweek (32 hours), with Denmark and Austria tied at 33.9 hours.
Direct comparisons require context, as national averages reflect each country’s labour market structure. For example, Germany has a high proportion of part-time contracts, which automatically lowers the national average.
