What countries in Europe have the shortest workweek?
- Portugal Business News
- May 10
- 3 min read
HR news Europe - Here are the countries in Europe that have the shortest work week, as well as the changes concerning the 4-day work week in Europe in 2025 and the longest number of working hours allowed in the EU:
1 - Countries in Europe that have the shortest work week:
1 - Netherlands
The Netherlands ranks the No. 1 country in Europe with the shortest workweek in 2023 with 32.2 hours according to Eurostat.
A large proportion of Dutch people already work a 4-day week with 9-hours of work per day.
The Netherlands also ranks 6th happiest country in the world in 2024.
2 – Austria
Austria ranks 2nd country in Europe with the shortest workweek in 2023 with 33.6 hours according to Eurostat.
3 – Norway
Norway ranks 3rd country in Europe with the shortest workweek in 2023 with 33.9 hours according to Eurostat.
Norway ranks 7th happiest country in the world in 2024.
4 - Germany
Germany ranks 4th country in Europe with the shortest workweek in 2023 with 34.0 hours according to Eurostat.
5 – Denmark
Denmark ranks 5th country in Europe with the shortest workweek in 2023 with 34.3 hours according to Eurostat.
Officially, Denmark operates with a 37-hour work week, without specifying the number of working days. Employees usually distribute these hours over four to five days, maintaining a flexible yet balanced work schedule.
Denmark ranks 2nd happiest country in the world in 2024.
6 - Finland
Finland ranks 6th country in Europe with the shortest workweek in 2023 with 34.8 hours according to Eurostat.
Finland ranks No 1 happiest country in the world in 2024.
7 – Belgium
Belgium ranks 7th country in Europe with the shortest workweek in 2023 with 34.9 hours according to Eurostat.
Officially, Belgium has a 38-hour work week, usually over five days.
Since 2022, legislation in Belgium named “The Labor Deal” allows these working hours to be spread over a four-day work week, giving workers more flexibility in managing their work-life balance without loss of salary. This means that employees in Belgium can now opt for 4 longer working days of 9.5 hours.
2 - What are the changes concerning the 4-day work week in Europe in 2025?
1 – Spain
In May 2025, Spain approved a bill that would reduce official working hours from 40 hours to 37.5 hours. The measure, which already applies to civil servants and some other sectors, will mainly include retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction sectors.
A 4-day work week, while shorter in days, can still have the same number of working hours as a 5-day week, such as 37.5 hours. This means employees would work longer shifts to compensate for the reduced number of workdays.
This seems better that Belgium that has an official 38-hour work week, usually over five days.
However, employees in Spain worked 36.4 hours in 2023 according to Eurostat.
2 – Other European countries:
Bulgaria, Malta, and Poland have reduced their number of working hours, with decreases of 2.1%, 1.6%, and 1.2%, respectively.
3 - What is the longest number of working hours allowed in the EU?
The European Union (EU) has established minimum common standards on working hours, which apply to all member states.
The EU work standards include:
1 - A maximum working week of 48 hours,
2 - Paid annual leave of at least four weeks per year,
3 - Rest periods,
4 - Rules on night work, shift work, and work patterns.
4 - What EU country has the longest working hours?
Greece has the longest working hours in Europe, averaging 41 hours per week, according to Eurostat. This is significantly higher than the EU average of 37.5 hours per week for those aged 20-64.
From July 1, 2024, while officially the 40-hour work week remains, employers can now require staff to work up to two unpaid hours per day for a limited period in exchange for more free time.
