The average working life duration in European Union countries in 2024 was 37.2 years. However, this figure varies significantly by country, showcasing both leaders and laggards in terms of labor market participation.
This is reported by Finway
Leading and Lagging Countries by Working Life Duration
In six EU member states, the average working life duration exceeded 40 years. The highest figures were recorded in the Netherlands — 43.8 years, Sweden — 43.0, Denmark — 42.5, Estonia — 41.4, Ireland — 40.4, and Germany — 40.0 years. This indicates favorable conditions for prolonged professional activity and a high level of population participation in economic processes.
Conversely, the lowest average working life duration is observed in Romania (32.7 years), Italy (32.8), as well as in Croatia, Greece, and Bulgaria (34.8 years each). Such figures may reflect the characteristics of national labor markets, economic structures, and social policies.
Gender Differences in Working Life Duration
Among men in the European Union, the average working life duration was 39.2 years. Men work the longest in the Netherlands (45.7 years), Denmark (44.2), and Sweden (40.0 years), while the lowest figures were recorded in Romania (35.9 years), as well as in Croatia and Bulgaria (36.0 years each).
Women in the EU work an average of 35 years. The highest working life duration among women is noted in Estonia (42.2 years), Sweden (42.0), and the Netherlands (41.8). Women spend the least time in professional activities in Italy (28.2 years), Romania (29.2), and Greece (31.1).
According to Eurostat, over the last decade, the expected average working life duration in the EU has increased by 2.4 years — from 34.8 to 37.2.
Overall, a positive trend is observed: over the past ten years, the working life duration in the European Union has increased, which may indicate improvements in working conditions, rising living standards, and increased longevity of the population.