Cyprus has one of the longest working lives in the European Union. According to Eurostat, the average length of employment on the island is 39 years, significantly higher than the EU average of 37.2 years.
Cyprus tops the list for length of employment
On average, Cypriots work almost two years longer than their European neighbors. This speaks to the state of the country's economy and the high level of labor market participation. In contrast, the figure for Greece is only 34.8 years, indicating weaker labor dynamics.
The length of working life is a key indicator of economic stability and the effectiveness of the pension system. It also reflects the population's involvement in professional activities. Cyprus is showing steady growth in this area among both men and women.
Who works the longest in the EU?
The countries with the longest working life expectancy in Europe are:
- Netherlands — 43.8 years
- Sweden — 43.0 years
- Denmark — 42.5 years
- Estonia: 41.4 years
- Ireland — 40.4 years
These countries all have consistently high employment rates and mature economies. The lowest figures are recorded in Romania (32.7 years), Italy (32.8 years), and Croatia, Bulgaria, and Greece (34.8 years each).
General Trend
Since 2015, working life in the EU has steadily increased. While it was 34.9 years in 2015, it increased by almost 2.3 years by 2024, despite a temporary decline in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Although men traditionally work longer than women, the situation is gradually evening out. In 2015, the gap was 5.1 years; by 2024, it had narrowed to 4.2 years. This is due to growth in female employment in EU countries. In Cyprus, however, the gap remains significant: men work an average of 41.1 years, while women work an average of 33.7 years. However, the trend toward convergence continues here as well.