Data from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) shows Croatia has the longest working week in the EU, excluding undeclared or unpaid overtime, according to the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH).

Under the Labor Act, full-time work is 40 hours per week, unless otherwise agreed. Sunčica Brnardić, SSSH executive secretary for labor law and the labor market, notes that although wages and productivity are growing, Croatia’s working conditions lag behind other EU countries.

Shortening the working week in other EU nations typically occurs through branch collective agreements. France’s reduction to a 35-hour week in 1998 prompted collective negotiations. Brnardić advocates for similar initiatives in Croatia to improve worker satisfaction and productivity.

A survey by the SSSH shows that reducing working hours by three hours per week positively impacts job satisfaction and productivity, especially in the private sector. Croatia faces labor and skills shortages that extended working hours cannot resolve, unlike Greece, where longer hours have been less effective.

Darije Hanzalek, leader of Croatian Independent Unions (NHS), suggests a gradual reduction of working hours without wage cuts, increasing hourly wage value and improving long-term material rights. He emphasizes the need for a societal focus on sustainable, health-preserving work relationships and leveraging knowledge and technology for societal benefit.

Experiments in Sweden and Iceland with shorter workweeks have shown increased productivity, better work-life balance, and improved worker health. Spain’s ongoing trial of a 32-hour week aims for similar outcomes.

Hanzalek also highlights the need to adapt working hours to climate change, citing Greece’s recent extension of the workweek to six days as a poor example that Croatia should avoid. Instead, Croatia should focus on retaining workers by improving their working conditions.