High exhaustion levels recorded in Cyprus
Worker burnout levels in Cyprus are among the highest in Europe, according to the 2024 European Working Conditions Survey published on Tuesday.
The study, conducted by Eurofound, highlights significant physical and emotional strain among employees in Cyprus compared to other European countries.
Employment rises across Europe
Despite concerns over burnout, the survey shows strong labour market performance across the EU.
A total of 207.8 million adults were employed in 2024, with the employment rate reaching 75.8%, close to the EU’s 2030 target. Unemployment dropped to 5.8%, the lowest level in a generation.
Work patterns and long hours
The report points to notable differences in working patterns across member states.
In Cyprus, 21% of workers report working six or seven days a week, placing the country among those with longer working schedules alongside Greece, Italy, and Croatia.
Across the EU, the most common pattern remains a five-day work week of 35 to 40 hours, while average working hours continue to decline gradually.
Cyprus ranks high in physical exhaustion
Cyprus worker burnout is particularly evident in physical fatigue levels, with nearly 44% of employees reporting they feel always or often physically exhausted at the end of the working day.
This is the highest rate recorded among surveyed countries, significantly above nations such as the Netherlands, where the figure stands at just 18%.
Emotional strain also highlighted
The survey also examined emotional exhaustion, a key indicator of burnout.
Across the EU, 13% of workers report feeling emotionally exhausted always or most of the time, with women more likely to report such symptoms than men.
In Cyprus, emotional strain remains a concern, reflecting broader challenges related to workload, job intensity, and work-life balance.
Structural challenges in labour market
The report underscores that rising employment levels are occurring alongside demographic pressures, with the EU’s working-age population declining by around nine million people between 2009 and 2024.
Researchers note that maintaining job quality and worker wellbeing will be critical as labour markets continue to evolve.
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