The Working Life of Greeks
The relatively short working life of Greeks is a reflection of the weaknesses in the domestic labor market and the country’s production model. Despite this, there has been a significant improvement in recent years.
Comparison to Other European Countries
On average, Greeks work for just over 34 years, which is significantly less than countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark, where people work for over 40 years. According to Eurostat data, the average length of working life in Europe is 36.9 years, with variations between EU countries. In 2023, Eurostat reported that Greeks work for 34.2 years, while Dutch workers reach 43.7 years, Swedes work for 43.1 years, and Danes for 41.3 years. In comparison, the working life in Romania, Italy, and Croatia is even shorter than in Greece.
The Challenges of Youth Employment in Greece
The relatively short working life of Greeks reveals the underlying issues within the domestic labor market and the country’s production model. A significant number of young people in Greece face challenges when entering the workforce, with many opting to not work at all. For example, around 350,000 individuals from Generation Z are classified as economically inactive, further highlighting the employment struggles faced by the youth.
Youth Employment Rates in Greece
Despite some progress in recent years, Greece still struggles with youth employment rates. In 2023, Greece ranked third from the bottom in Europe, with an employment rate of 52.6%. Only Italy and Bosnia had lower rates at 49.4% and 45.6% respectively. However, it is worth noting that there has been an improvement compared to the levels seen during the economic crisis, where youth employment plummeted to alarming levels.
It is evident that Greece needs to address the barriers preventing young people from entering the workforce and provide them with opportunities for sustainable employment. By implementing effective policies and initiatives, Greece can work towards improving the overall youth employment situation in the country.
Unrecorded Labor in Tourism Industry
According to official data, organizations like Eurostat do not include unrecorded labor in their statistics, particularly in the tourism sector. In 2023, around 548,000 individuals in their 20s were reported as employed in this industry. However, there is a significant portion of the population that is also working in tourism but goes unaccounted for.
This unrecorded labor can have various implications, including issues related to worker rights, taxation, and overall economic stability. Without accurate data on the actual workforce in the tourism industry, it becomes challenging to address these concerns effectively.
Efforts should be made to capture and recognize all individuals working in tourism, regardless of their employment status. This will not only provide a more comprehensive understanding of the industry but also ensure that workers are protected and receive the necessary support and benefits. Addressing the issue of unrecorded labor is crucial for the sustainable growth and development of the tourism sector.
