Communiqué November 2006
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Director’s diary
European workers satisfied with work–life balance
The latest European Working Conditions Survey found that four out of five workers (80%) say they are satisfied with their work–life balance. However, more than two in five persons (44%) who work long hours – over 48 hours a week – report being unhappy with their work–life balance. The survey found that men, particularly working fathers, report more dissatisfaction with their work–life balance than women.
Standard working hours are still the norm for most workers in Europe. In the 25 EU Member States and the two EU acceding countries Bulgaria and Romania, working hours for the majority of the workforce revolve around a five-day, 40-hour week. Over 55% of all workers work the same number of hours every day, and over 70% work the same number of days every week. The proportion of people working non-standard hours (working at night or at weekends) has fallen slightly since 1995.
In the coming month, the Foundation will present the first findings from its flagship survey, the fourth European Working Conditions Survey. Also in November, the third Foundation Forum will take place over three days in Dublin Castle, with close to 200 participants, including 11 Ministers from around Europe and the world. The debates will focus on the compatibility or otherwise of the European social model with the pressure for increased productivity in today’s society.
Jorma Karppinen
Director