Work-life balance

Cyprus-flag-140The concept of a work-life balance is a major trend in modern society. However, the ability to achieve such a balance is being put under pressure with the aging society, economic downturn and current trends in family formation. Employment regulations have been implemented in order to reach a better work-life balance, but part-time work is not well developed in Cyprus, like in other new European Union member states. Both men and women report difficulties in finding more time to spend with their family, especially with their children. The family plays a central role in Cypriot social structure, where there are strong ties both within the nuclear family and the extended family.

National holidays

In Cyprus there are public holidays and many other traditional ones. Important public holidays are: 1st January (New Year’s Day), 25th March (Greek Independence Day), 1st May (Labour Day), 1st October (Cyprus Independence Day). There are, another four public holidays on dates which are variable; these are Green Monday (50 days before the Greek Orthodox Easter), Good Friday and Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Easter), as well as Pentecost.

Useful Link: http://cyprus.angloinfo.com/information/moving/country-file/public-holidays/

Working hours

Normal office hours are between 8.30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm, although some offices will take a longer lunch break or work shorter days during the summer months

Government offices open between 7.30am to 8.30am and then close between 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

Banks are open from 8.30am to 4.45pm on Mondays and from 8.30am to 1pm on Tuesday to Friday.

Shops are open from 9am to 7pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday, closing for lunch at 1pm; and 9am to 1pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

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