Average working hours in Saxony decrease slightly - Saxony's working hours dip in 2024, but cities defy the trend

Working hours in Saxony fell slightly in 2024, with employees averaging 1,355 hours for the year. This marks a small drop of six hours compared to 2023. However, trends varied sharply between cities and rural areas across the state.

The construction sector recorded the longest working hours, with employees averaging 1,539 hours. At the other end, financial and business services had the shortest, at 1,317 hours per worker.

Regional differences were also notable. North Saxony saw the highest average, with 1,377 hours per employee, while Bautzen had the lowest, at 1,342 hours. Central Saxony experienced the steepest decline, with total working hours dropping by 2.4%.

Only Leipzig and Dresden bucked the downward trend, reporting an increase in total working hours. Meanwhile, all rural districts and Chemnitz saw reductions. These two cities were also the only areas in Saxony to record employment gains in 2024.

The overall reduction in working hours reflects broader shifts in Saxony's labour market. While most regions saw declines, Leipzig and Dresden stood out with both higher employment and increased working hours. The differences between sectors and areas highlight uneven economic activity across the state.