Swedes Work Among the Longest Hours in Europe: Hear’s Why
Stockholm, Sweden – September 7, 2025 – Across the European Union, citizens are working longer than ever before. New data released this summer by Eurostat reveals the average EU citizen can now expect to spend 37.2 years in the workforce – a significant increase from 34.9 years in 2015. But within this trend, stark national differences emerge, wiht Sweden standing out as one of the nations where peopel work the most.
Sweden ranks second in the EU for expected working life, at 43 years, closely trailing the Netherlands (43.8 years). When factoring in EFTA countries, Sweden falls to third place, behind iceland’s leading 46.3 years. This places Sweden considerably above the EU average and a world away from countries like Romania (32.7 years) and Italy (32.8 years), where working lives are considerably shorter. Turkey currently holds the record for the shortest working life expectancy at just 30.2 years.
[Image of people working in a modern office surroundings. Caption: Europeans are working longer than they did a decade ago. Photo: Hasse Holmberg / Photographers Holmberg TT news Agency]
Why the Disparity?
Experts point to a complex interplay of factors driving these differences. According to analysis by Euronews, national pension systems and family policies play a crucial role. Countries with more robust social safety nets and generous parental leave policies may see earlier retirement ages.
However, the picture is more nuanced.Senior lecturer Timo Anttila at Jyväskylä University highlights the impact of these systems, while Professor Moritz hess at Niederhein University of Applied Sciences emphasizes the influence of ageism and labor market demand.
“If employers need labor, it increases labor force participation and extends the length of working life,” Professor Hess explained to Euronews.[Image of a graph showing working life expectancy across different European countries. Caption: an EU citizen is expected to work on average 37.2 years. Photo: Henrik Montgomery / TT / TT News Agency]
the Bigger Picture: Labor Force Participation
ultimately, labor force participation – the percentage of the population actively employed or seeking employment – appears to be the most significant driver behind these numbers. A strong demand for workers encourages individuals to remain in the workforce for longer periods, contributing to the rising trend in working life expectancy.
As demographics shift and populations age,understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers and individuals alike. The data underscores the need for adaptable pension systems, supportive family policies, and strategies to combat ageism in the workplace to ensure a enduring and equitable future for workers across Europe.
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