
When comparing working hours across Europe, it becomes clear that there is a significant variation in both the annual working hours and the expected duration of working life between Southern, Eastern and Northern European countries. While many might assume that Southern European workers, often associated with leisurely siestas and long breaks, would have shorter working hours, the reality is quite different. Same applies for Eastern European workers from countries like Romania or Bulgaria, where it is quite normal to have 9-10 hour working days.
According to the OECD, workers in countries like Greece, Poland, and Italy put in significantly more hours per year compared to their Northern counterparts. Greece, for example, leads with 1,897 hours per year, followed by Poland with 1,803 hours and Italy with 1,734 hours. In contrast, German and Dutch workers have some of the lowest annual working hours, averaging around 1,400 hours per year (compensated for by high productivity).
Source: OECD
The misconception that Southern Europeans, particularly Spaniards, take long afternoon naps stems from historical and cultural factors. The image of Spain as a sun-drenched, lazy country indulging in daily siestas can be traced back to PR efforts from the Franco regime in the 1950s and 60s, aimed at drawing in tourists. While mid-day breaks are still common, especially in smaller businesses and rural areas, the majority of Spaniards do not go home for a nap. Instead, office workers often use this time for lunch or running errands between 2 and 4 p.m., with businesses reopening later for a late dinner rush.
Historically, Spaniards had to work two jobs to make ends meet, especially before air conditioning became widespread. This habit of splitting work between the morning and late afternoon has contributed to the high annual working hours seen today. Despite attempts to modernize, the legacy of long working days remains strong, with many Spaniards still working late into the evening.
Interestingly, the relationship between annual working hours and the overall duration of working life shows an inverse trend: Northern countries, like Germany and the Netherlands, tend to have shorter annual working hours but longer working lives. The Eurostat data reveals that countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark have a working life expectancy exceeding 40 years. This is in contrast to countries like Greece and Spain, where, despite longer weekly hours, working life expectancy is lower.
This phenomenon can be attributed to the type of employment prevalent in each region. Southern European countries often have a higher proportion of manual and lower-skilled jobs that require long hours but can become physically challenging as workers age. Meanwhile, Northern Europe’s economies are more focused on high-skilled, white-collar jobs that allow for shorter working hours but can be sustained into older age.
The variation in work culture and hours has significant implications for employers looking to attract talent from different regions. For companies in Germany, offering a flexible work schedule might be more appealing to Southern European workers accustomed to longer hours. Additionally, supporting these employees in adapting to the local work culture, which prioritizes efficiency and shorter hours, can ease the transition and improve retention.
Ultimately, understanding these differences is crucial for creating a work environment that respects the diverse backgrounds of employees, especially in an increasingly globalized workforce.
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