Mar 12 • 12:11 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece Naftemporiki

Human Resources in Greece from the Metapolitefsi to 2024: The Decline of Employment in Primary and Secondary Sectors and the Shift to Services

A study examines the evolution of human resources in Greece over the past 50 years, highlighting the shift from employment in primary and secondary sectors to services.

A recent study by the ENA Institute, authored by labor economics expert Angelos Eustratoglou, investigates the evolution of human resources in Greece from the period of Metapolitefsi in 1974 through to the projected state of the workforce in 2024. The research indicates that over these 50 years, significant changes have occurred both quantitatively and qualitatively in the country's human resources. In terms of quantitative changes, there has been a marked increase in both employment and unemployment figures, which underscores the failure of the labor market to create enough jobs to absorb those who wish to work, even during economic growth phases.

Since 1981, a time frame where the statistical data is reliably comparable, the labor force has expanded by 34.3%, translating to an additional 1,310,100 individuals becoming engaged in economic activities across Greece. This dramatic growth poses serious concerns regarding job creation, as the economy has not been able to keep up with the rising number of job seekers. The findings illustrate a troubling paradox where economic growth does not equate to proportional employment growth, highlighting structural issues within the Greek economy that have persisted over decades.

The shift towards the service sector is a significant trend highlighted in the study, reflecting broader global movements and changing economic needs. This transition raises questions about the sustainability of employment in primary and secondary sectors, and whether the service industry can continue to absorb the growing labor force effectively. As Greece approaches 2024, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for policymakers aiming to foster job creation and manage the socioeconomic implications of these shifts efficiently.

📡 Similar Coverage