How do working hours in Switzerland compare to the rest of Europe?

A new study by the European statistics agency Eurostat has revealed how working hours in Switzerland compare to those across the continent. Interestingly, while the alpine nation boasts one of the longest working weeks in Europe, the country ranks mid-table. Here's why:

Dutch workers have the shortest hours in Europe

According to the data, last year European employees worked for an average of 37 hours a week. The findings, based on employment data of people between the ages of 20 and 64 in both full and part-time work, found that working hours can vary dramatically across Europe and between job sectors.

In 2024, Dutch workers had the most free time, with average working hours of just 32 hours and six minutes a week. They were followed by Norwegians, who are on the clock for an average of just 33,7 hours a week, with Austrian (33,9 hours) and German workers (33,9 hours) completing the top four. Generally speaking, nations in western and southern Europe (with the notable exception of Portugal) and Scandinavia tend to work fewer hours than those in the east.

What are working hours like in Switzerland?

For 2024, workers in Switzerland were found to work for an average of 36 hours per week. This places the alpine nation below average by European standards.

These findings may come as a surprise, given that in 2024 the Federal Statistical Office claimed that Switzerland has one of the longest working weeks in Europe. This can be attributed to the fact that while full-time employees work the longest hours on the continent, a large share of staff work part-time, which brings the Eurostat average down.

In addition, working hours in Switzerland were found to vary hugely by sector. Farmers, forestry workers and fishermen work the longest hours at 47 hours and 48 minutes, rising to 55 hours if they are self-employed. Employees in the construction (39,9 hours) and the banking and finance industries (39,7 hours) completed the top three.

However, the hours worked across the cantons pale in comparison to workers in the Balkan region. In 2024, Turkish employees worked a whopping 43,1 hours per week. Serbia (41,3 hours), Bosnia and Herzegovina (41,2 hours), Greece (39,8 hours) and Bulgaria (39 hours), followed close behind.