
Greeks work longer hours than other Europeans, contrary to the persistent myth of the “Lazy Greeks”, while also getting paid less, according to comparative data by Eurostat and OECD.
In the European Union in 2022, workers aged 20 to 64 worked an average of 37.5 hours per week, with the highest average weekly working hours recorded in Greece (41 hours), followed by Poland (40.4 hours), Romania and Bulgaria (40.2 hours each). In contrast, the Netherlands had the shortest average workweek (33.2 hours), followed by Germany (35.3 hours) and Denmark (35.4 hours).
While working longer hours, Greek employees lagged behind other Europeans with regard to payment, as the latter worked fewer hours for more money.
The average gross salary in Greece stood at €1,034, according to Eurostat data in July, €1,709 in the Netherlands, €1,835 in Germany, €1,395 in Spain, and €1,249 in Poland.
When comparing wages, and working hours, in relation to measuring productivity in per capita purchasing power parity (PPP), Greece ranks among the lowest, just above Chile and Costa Rica and one position below Hungary. In contrast, countries with higher wages and fewer working hours rank at the top of productivity, with Ireland leading the way, OECD data showed.
According to a report by Adecco, a global leader in HR services, more than half of Greek workers believe their wages are disproportionate to the work they offer, with only 44% in Greece estimating that they are paid fairly.
This perception aligns with Statista data, indicating that in 2022, the average annual salaries in Greece were €24,067, compared to €73,642 in Iceland, €72,529 in Luxembourg, €67,605 in Switzerland, €26,376 in Hungary, €29,540 in Portugal, €30,967 in the Czech Republic, and €24,337 in Slovakia.
OECD data ranks Greece 34th out of 35 countries in the comparison of average wages. Meanwhile, according to the latest survey by GSEE and the Institute of Labor in October, 65% of workers reported not receiving a salary increase, 25% said they work more than their regular hours, and of those, 48% are not compensated for the additional work hours.


Latest News

Jerry Kalogiratos Highlights Key Role of Energy Transition and Data Demand in LNG Outlook
Energy transition and the prospects of LNG were discussed at Capital Link’s 19th Annual International Maritime Forum, during a panel discussion with Jerry Kalogiratos (Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.)

Santorini Safe and Ready for a Dynamic Tourism Season
Authenticity, cultural heritage, and genuine experiences at the center of Santorini's new promotional campaign

Electricity Bills: Greece Announces Reduced Tariffs Schedule
Greece will now offer lower electricity rates between 11:00-15:00 and 02:00-04:00

Chevron Confirms Eyeing Natural Gas Exploration South of Crete
Chevron recently declared its intent to explore a third area, south of the Peloponnese.

Evangelos Marinakis: A time of change from which shipping can benefit
Speaking at the 19th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum Evangelos Marinakis stressed the challenges that shipping faces today

Retail Trade in Greece Up 2.5% in December 2024: ELSTAT
In January 2025, the General Turnover Index recorded a 2.5% increase compared to January 2024. Compared to December 2024, it recorded a significant decline of 18.4%

Greek Fruit and Vegetable Exports Surge
Greek exporters have expressed concerns over a new draft law in Bulgaria that mandates at least 50% of products in stores to be of Bulgarian origin.

Trump Tower in Greece? Speculation Grows Over Potential Investment
In 2007, the Trump Organization explored the possibility of constructing a skyscraper complex and casino at the former Ellinikon Airport site in Athens

Was Aristidis Alafouzos, CEO of Okeanis Eco Tankers, cheering over extra earnings from carrying ‘sanctioned’ Russian oil?
Okeanis CEO Aristidis Alafouzos tried to give assurances that the company was not carrying sanctioned Russian oil - Recently published data point to the opposite

Tax Filing in Greece Surpasses Expectations
Taxpayers who submit their returns by April 30 will benefit from an increased tax discount of 4% if they opt for a lump-sum payment by July 31, 2025