Driving Global Success with Local Insight
Why Greece?
Greece is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. It has an extensive coastline along the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas, supporting a thriving shipping and logistics industry, one of the largest globally. Greece’s mountainous terrain and fertile plains underpin its agricultural and renewable energy sectors. The country is renowned for its ancient contributions to philosophy, democracy, and mathematics, influencing modern business practices. Key landmarks include Athens’ Acropolis, the port city of Thessaloniki—an economic hub—and the Corinth Canal, a vital shipping route. Greece excels in maritime trade, renewable energy, and logistics, making it a pivotal player in the regional economy.
Key advantages of BPOs in Greece include:
Population and language
Greece has a population of approximately 10.48 million, with 89.5% residing in urban areas, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. The workforce benefits from an average age of 46.3 years, offering a balance of experience and maturity. Employees are highly educated, supported by a literacy rate exceeding 97%, offering technical expertise and strong multilingual skills. Greek, the official language, is universally spoken, ensuring effective communication domestically and within regional markets. English proficiency is outstanding, with Greece ranking 12th globally in the EF English Proficiency Index, scoring 602 points. English is widely taught in schools and used in business and government sectors, making it indispensable for BPO operations. The country is also home to several recognised minority languages, including Albanian, Aromanian, and Turkish, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
Education and workforce
Higher education in Greece produces a significant number of graduates, with 32.4% of 25-34 year-olds holding a bachelor’s or equivalent degree, placing the country 10th globally. Key universities, including the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, excel in fields such as business, IT, engineering, and healthcare. Despite this, only 75.8% of graduates secure immediate employment, highlighting skill mismatches in the job market. Government initiatives aim to boost adult training participation to 40% by 2030, aligning educational programmes with market demands. Tailored IT and business services training meets the needs of the BPO industry. Interestingly, Greece’s self-employment rate stands at approximately 32.2%, significantly higher than the European Union average of around 15%. This positions Greece among the EU countries with the highest proportion of self-employed individuals.
Transport and infrastructure
Significant investments in transport and infrastructure are modernising Greece’s connectivity. The €5.2 billion ‘Greece 2.0’ plan focuses on sustainable transport, including electric vehicle adoption and digital transformation. Thessaloniki’s newly opened metro system, a €3 billion project, features driverless trains and integrates advanced technology with cultural preservation. An extensive bus and trolleybus network complements the metro system. Athens’ 70-kilometre Attica Motorway operates under a €3.3 billion concession, ensuring seamless access. Athens International Airport (IATA: ATH, ICAO: LGAV) is the country’s primary aviation hub, connecting to over 130 international destinations. Regional airports, including Thessaloniki Airport (IATA: SKG, ICAO: LGTS) and Heraklion Airport (IATA: HER, ICAO: LGIR), have undergone significant modernisation to meet rising passenger and cargo demands. Greece’s railway network is also undergoing major upgrades to improve safety, punctuality, and service quality.
Telecommunications and connectivity
Advanced telecommunications infrastructure supports reliable BPO operations across the country. COSMOTE leads the sector with plans to extend its fibre-optic network to two-thirds of all lines, reaching 3 million homes and businesses by 2027. The 5G network provides over 90% population coverage, ensuring high-speed wireless connectivity, while the mobile penetration rate highlights widespread adoption. COSMOTE’s mobile network has been recognised as the ‘Fastest Mobile Network in Greece’ and ‘Best in Test’. The ‘Greece 2.0’ plan drives digital transformation through extensive investments aimed at improving infrastructure and bridging digital divides. Currently, 87% of households have internet access, reflecting significant progress. As a participant in ITU’s AI/ML in 5G Challenge, the country demonstrates its commitment to integrating advanced technologies, supporting global outsourcing requirements effectively.
Government support and growth
The Greek Ministry of Development and Investments oversees the Recovery and Resilience Plan, allocating €17.77 billion in grants and €12.73 billion in loans to boost digital transformation and green energy. Business parks, including those developed by Lamda Development and Prodea Investments, attract foreign investors with tax incentives and modern infrastructure. The Elevate Greece platform, managed by Enterprise Greece, supports startups by fostering collaboration with investors, complemented by the EquiFund II programme for innovation-led enterprises. Renewable energy projects, such as €7 billion for offshore wind farms, involve public-private partnerships, including Aktor and Terna Energy. The European Investment Bank contributes €200 million to sustainability-focused startups. National efforts, including infrastructure modernisation and tax reforms, position Greece as a competitive investment hub, with strategic participation in international trade events further enhancing global business appeal.
BPO services
Greece’s Business BPO sector is experiencing significant growth, with revenue projected to reach US$0.85 billion by 2025 and an annual increase of 3.09% leading to US$0.96 billion by 2029. This expansion is driven by a skilled, multilingual workforce proficient in languages such as English, German, and French, making Greece an attractive destination for global companies seeking diverse language support. Key BPO services offered include customer experience management, technical support, content moderation, and data annotation. Prominent firms like Conectys and TaskUs have established operations in cities like Thessaloniki, leveraging the strategic location within the European Union to provide efficient services. The Greek government’s support through tax incentives and infrastructure development further enhances the sector’s appeal, supported by modern infrastructure and a cost-effective business environment.
Top Outsourcing services
Exceptional service solutions
South Africa excels in providing diverse and efficient outsourcing services, including customer support, technical assistance, financial process management, and specialised industry support.
ServiceS frequently outsourced to
Greece
- Appointment Setting
- Back Office
- Business Process Outsourcing
- Customer Care
- Customer Services
- Graphic Design & Editing
- Guest Services
- Healthcare Support
- Help Desk
- Inbound Campaigns
- Inbound Sales
- Insurance Policy Checking
- Lead Qualification
- Loyalty Programs
- Multi-Channel Customer Support
- Omni-channel Services
- Peak Retail Support
- Quality Assurance
- Technical Support
- Travel & Leisure Support
- Virtual Assistant
ServiceS frequently outsourced to
Greece
- Appointment Setting
- Back Office
- Business Process Outsourcing
- Customer Care
- Customer Services
- Graphic Design & Editing
- Guest Services
- Healthcare Support
- Help Desk
- Inbound Campaigns
- Inbound Sales
- Insurance Policy Support
- Lead Qualification
- Loyalty Programs
- Multi-Channel Customer Support
- Omni-channel Services
- Peak Retail Support
- Quality Assurance
- Technical Support
- Travel & Leisure Support
- Virtual Assistant