In Europe, a 30-hour work week is generally adopted, which gives people more leisure time. According to the 2019 OECD working hours statistics, most Europeans work an average of about 30 hours a week, that is, 5 days a week and about 6 hours a day. Specifically, Germans have the shortest working hours, working only 26 hours a week, or 5.2 hours a day; while Danes and Norwegians work 27 hours a week and 5.4 hours a day. French and Luxembourgers work 29 hours a week and 5.8 hours a day. In Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Finland, people work 30 to 31 hours a week. In contrast, British and Spanish people work 32 hours a week and 6.4 hours a day. In contrast, China's working hours are significantly longer, with an average of 46 hours a week, or 9.6 hours a day.
In Europe, a 30-hour work week is generally adopted, which gives people more leisure time. According to the 2019 OECD working hours statistics, most Europeans work an average of about 30 hours a week, that is, 5 days a week and about 6 hours a day. Specifically, Germans have the shortest working hours, working only 26 hours a week, or 5.2 hours a day; while Danes and Norwegians work 27 hours a week and 5.4 hours a day. French and Luxembourgers work 29 hours a week and 5.8 hours a day. In Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Finland, people work 30 to 31 hours a week. In contrast, British and Spanish people work 32 hours a week and 6.4 hours a day. In contrast, China's working hours are significantly longer, with an average of 46 hours a week, or 9.6 hours a day.
The number of statutory holidays in Western European countries:
France: 30
Greece: 26
Luxembourg: 26
Finland: 25
Sweden: 25
Denmark: 25
Portugal: 22
Belgium: 20
Germany: 20
Italy: 20
Ireland: 20
Netherlands: 20
Spain: 20
In addition to public holidays, Europeans also attach great importance to vacations and even regard them as a way of life. In July and August every year, not only schools, but also government departments and various companies enter vacation mode. Europeans love sunshine and beaches, so they will go to southern France, Spain, Italy and Greece in summer to enjoy leisure time. On weekdays, the streets of Geneva are also sparsely populated, and many restaurants and shops are closed because the bosses are on vacation.
In terms of paid vacations, Austria and Portugal top the list with an average of 35 days of paid vacations per year; Germany and Spain are closely behind by one day; while France, Belgium and Italy are ranked in the bottom three of the list, with an average of 30 days of paid vacations per year. It is worth noting that labor laws and corporate regulations vary from country to country in Europe, so Europeans usually have 25 to 40 days of annual leave to use at their leisure.
