Last updated time

October 23, 2026

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Geographic coverage

Working hours weaken across the EU as jobs picture turns mixed

Total hours worked fell or barely grew in the EU countries covered in 2025. Slovakia saw a 1.2% fall, while Croatia's growth slowed to 0.2% despite rising employment.

Germany: Total hours worked fell 0.8% in 2025, after rising 0.3% in 2024.
Slovakia: Hours worked fell 1.2% in 2025. Employment also dropped by 10,100 people to 2.61 million.
Slovenia: Hours worked fell 1.1% in 2025, reversing a 2.5% increase in 2024. Employment slipped 0.1%.
Sweden: Hours worked fell 1% in 2025 even as employment rose to 5.33 million, meaning more people collectively worked fewer hours.
Croatia: Hours worked grew just 0.2% in 2025, down from 3.6% in 2024, while employment rose to 1.70 million.
Lithuania: Growth in hours worked slowed to 0.1% in 2025 from 2.7% in 2024. Employment edged down by 900 people.

Across these EU countries, total working hours weakened in 2025, but employment trends were mixed.