Albanians work some of the longest weeks out of the entire European region, and it is increasing, according to official data from the national statistics institute INSTAT.
According to the data, processed by Monitor, employees work on average 43.3 hours a week in 2021, up from 42.6 hours in 2020.
The number of hours worked varies by sector with those in manufacturing working 46.2 hours a week, or 8.4% more than the average. Those working in administration or state administration work the least with 39.2 hours, 7.2% less than average.
Working weeks were also longer in the agricultural sector where employees work for around 44.1 hours, as well as construction with 45.3 hours.
The overall average of 43.3 hours is higher than many other countries in Europe, excluding the Balkans. Neighbouring Turkey work 46.4 hours, Montenegro 44.4 hours, North Macedonia 41.3 hours, and Serbia 42.3 hours.
In Europe, the Dutch work the least with an overall average of just 29.3 hours. Others with very low levels include the British (37 hours), Germans (38 hours) and Irish (39 hours).
But in Albania, the number of hours you work is also dependent on your age. For example, those aged between 50 and 64 work up to 50 hours while those aged 25-34 work 45 hours.
Overall, 72% of Albanians say they are too tired to do housework by the time they get home afterwork. Other studies show that just 10% of men help their partners with any kind of housework or child caring assistance.
Over half said they were unable to fulfil family responsibilities over the last month due to work.
