Part-Time Jobs: Which Nations Lead in Employment Rates and What Are the Reasons?

Rise of Part-Time Employment: Part-time jobs are increasingly popular in Europe, with 17.1% of employed individuals in the EU working part-time in 2024, driven by a desire for flexibility and cost management by businesses.

Regional Disparities: Part-time employment rates vary significantly across Europe, with high rates in Western and Northern countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands, while Eastern European nations like Bulgaria and Romania report much lower rates.

Demographic Influences: Women, young people, and older workers are more likely to prefer part-time work, contributing to higher rates in countries with greater employment of these groups, such as the Netherlands.

Sector and Wage Factors: Part-time jobs are prevalent in service-oriented sectors, and wage levels influence the viability of part-time work, with higher-wage economies offering more attractive part-time opportunities compared to lower-wage regions.