Greece faces severe labor shortages

Greece is grappling with major labor shortages, with an estimated 300,000 job vacancies nationwide. Roughly a quarter of these are in agriculture, while tourism, construction, and industry also report acute gaps.

Delays in worker recruitment

Efforts to fill positions with workers from non-EU countries face severe delays—up to eight months—hampering businesses during peak demand. Around 45,000 registered workers from countries including Vietnam, India, Egypt, and the Philippines are waiting in the official system, with 4,000 businesses expressing interest.

Sectors under pressure

According to Vangelis Kanellopoulos, CEO of a human resources firm specializing in recruiting from abroad, shortages extend far beyond farm laborers.

• Tourism: Needs have risen by 10% compared to last year, with 86,000 vacancies for roles such as housekeepers, chefs, spa therapists, and front-desk staff.

• Industry: Lacking both unskilled and skilled workers, from machine operators to engineers.

• Construction: Facing deficits in welders, plumbers, carpenters, and heavy machinery operators.

Even shipping, traditionally offering high salaries, now struggles to attract personnel, reflecting a broader European trend.

Shifting work culture

Kanellopoulos notes that high unemployment rates have not solved the issue. “Work models in Europe changed after the pandemic—people value shifts, days off, and flexibility differently. Even wage increases haven’t attracted workers,” he said. Remote work has also reshaped expectations, with many reluctant to return to traditional roles.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde recently urged EU states to increase the share of foreign workers above 9% to counter an aging population and shifting workforce priorities.

A system in need of reform

Kanellopoulos emphasized the rigid bureaucracy: workers recruited for one sector cannot legally transfer to another, even if demand exists. “We’ve seen hotel staff excel during the season, but they’re barred from moving into construction or industry afterward. It makes no sense,” he said.

With businesses forced into costly overtime and some operating below capacity, the labor shortage appears to be worsening, raising urgent questions about Greece’s labor policies and long-term workforce sustainability.

tovima