Romanians do not work extra hours, according to Eurostat's findings

Romania stood out in Europe in 2024, boasting one of the lowest shares of employees working overtime, according to Eurostat. In contrast to the European Union average of 6.6%, only 1.8% of Romanian employees aged between 20 and 64 declared that they had worked overtime.

The low overtime rate in Romania may be attributed to a combination of factors. The high share of employees in the budgetary and manufacturing sectors could play a significant role. In the manufacturing sector, a high proportion of workers earn just over the minimum wage, which might limit their willingness to work extended hours.

Legal restrictions in Romania could also be contributing factors. Eurostat defines long working hours as a schedule of workers who usually spend 49 hours or more per week at work. The legal framework in Romania may impose stricter limits on overtime hours, thereby reducing the number of employees working long hours.

Informal arrangements between employers and employees may also contribute to the low overtime rate in Romania. These arrangements, while not officially recorded, could help ensure that employees maintain a better work-life balance.

Analysts working in Romania, such as those at Deloitte Romania and ING Romania Hubs, may have insights into the factors contributing to the low overtime rates. These organizations involve data analysis, risk management, and consultancy roles where labor market factors could be studied.

Notably, Greece has the highest percentage of employees working overtime among EU countries, at 12.4%. Cyprus and France also have over 9% of employees working overtime, making Romania's low overtime rate even more remarkable.

In conclusion, Romania's low overtime rates could be a result of a combination of factors, including legal restrictions, informal arrangements, and the high share of employees in the budgetary and manufacturing sectors. Understanding these factors could provide valuable insights into labour market dynamics and work-life balance policies in Europe.