A record number of overtime hours were recorded in Greece’s “ERGANI” information system during the first seven months of 2025, with the tourism sector standing out as the main driver. According to official data, from January to July more than 3.5 million hours of overtime were registered in sectors covered by the Digital Work Card, marking an overall increase of 80% compared with the same period in 2024.
The most striking rise was observed in tourism, where registered overtime surged by 728% in the seven-month period, setting a new record. In July alone, the peak month for visitor arrivals, overtime increased by an impressive 541% year-on-year.
Similarly, in the food and beverage sector, which is closely tied to tourism, overtime hours rose by 301% between January and July, and by 154% in July specifically. This sharp increase reflects the strong seasonality of the sector, with businesses responding to summer demand by intensifying working hours.
Additional growth was also noted in retail trade, where overtime climbed by 105% in the first seven months and nearly 89% in July. In industry, the respective increases stood at 65% and 25%.
Overall, the figures indicate a clear trend: in 2025, declared overtime has reached significantly higher levels than in 2024, now being tracked with greater accuracy thanks to the implementation of the Digital Work Card. The increase is evident across all major sectors, but tourism recorded by far the most dramatic growth, reflecting both heightened demand and an extended peak season.
In particular, July 2025 proved to be a landmark month, as almost every sector registered a steep rise. The data highlight the pivotal role of tourism and hospitality in the Greek economy, while also underlining the heavy reliance of businesses on overtime work during the summer months.
