Working hours in Greece’s tourism and hospitality sector surge 81.7% since 2020
The number of hours actually worked per employee in Greece’s accommodation and food services sector increased by 81.7% between 2020 and 2024, while average hourly labour costs rose by just 19.6%, according to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
The figures show that annual actual working hours per employee reached 1,279.4 in 2024, compared with 704 hours in 2020. Over the same period, average hourly labour costs increased from €10.14 to €12.12.
Despite the substantial rise in working hours, accommodation and food services remain among the sectors with the lowest hourly labour costs in the Greek economy.
The findings highlight a significant gap between the expansion of working hours and the increase in labour costs, raising questions about working conditions and compensation in one of Greece’s key economic sectors.
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY AMONG THE LOWEST-PAID SECTORS
At €12.12 per hour, labour costs in accommodation and food services are higher only than those recorded in administrative and support service activities, where the average stands at €11.27.
By comparison, hourly labour costs reach €29.76 in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, and €29.67 in financial and insurance activities. The average across the Greek economy stands at €15.16, up 10.1% from €13.76 in 2020.
WORKING HOURS RISE ACROSS THE ECONOMY
Across all sectors, average annual actual working hours per employee reached 1,579.9 in 2024, representing a 4.8% increase from 1,508.2 hours in 2020.
Apart from tourism and hospitality, the largest increase was recorded in arts, entertainment and recreation, where annual working hours rose by 23.5% to 1,309.9.
In contrast, working hours declined in electricity and gas supply by 13.5%, financial and insurance activities by 7.8%, and education by 6.3%.
SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ECONOMIC SECTORS
The data also reveal considerable differences in annual working hours across industries. Employees in public administration and defence recorded 1,806.8 hours, while those in water supply, sewerage and waste management worked 1,800.1 hours annually.
At the other end of the scale, education recorded 1,271.3 hours, followed by accommodation and food services with 1,279.4 hours. Seasonal employment patterns are among the factors shaping annual working hours in the tourism and hospitality sector.
BUSINESS LABOUR COSTS REACH €62.37 BILLION
Total labour costs across the businesses covered by the ELSTAT survey amounted to €62.37 billion in 2024.
Wages and salaries accounted for 82.8% of the total, while employers’ social security contributions represented 17.1%. Other expenses, including vocational training and additional labour-related costs, accounted for a relatively small share.
The survey also found that hourly labour costs varied according to company size, reaching €16.80 in businesses employing at least 1,000 people, compared with €12.71 in companies with between 10 and 49 employees.
