tackle Unlimited Grind: Overwhelming Rejection of Endless Workdays Among German Workers
Most residents of the Community strongly oppose the idea of limitless work hours.
When it comes to the federal government's proposals promoting more flexible working hours, a survey by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) reveals that the majority of German employees are firmly against unlimited working hours.
Germany holds the unenviable reputation of having more part-time employees than almost any other EU nation. Statistics from the European Working Conditions Survey, published by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, shows that in 2024, 29% of working-age individuals between 15 and 64 years old were part-time employed. Only the Netherlands (43%) and Austria (31%) had higher part-time quotas.
The IAB survey discloses that 73% of employees in Germany staunchly oppose unlimited daily working hours. Although 34% of respondents would be willing to work for more than ten hours a day occasionally, this is a far cry from the support forunlimited hours.
The Black-Red coalition government, comprising the Union and SPD parties, intends to implement measures that enhance flexibility and optimize working hours. These measures include tax relief for overtime pay and incentives for increasing part-time work.
The survey unearths an interesting pattern. 45% of full-time employees would be prepared to work extra hours if they received a tax-exempt bonus. Younger full-time employees are more amenable to this idea, with 60% of those under 30 willing to increase their overtime hours in exchange for a tax-advantaged bonus, as compared to only 37% of employees over 60.
Part-time employees present an untapped potential. Approximately 33% of part-time employees could envision permanently boosting their hours by an average of six hours per week if incentivized with a bonus. However, age makes a significant difference in this regard. While a significant 48% of those under 30 indicate they would be willing to boost their hours, only 24% of part-time employees over 60 express a similar sentiment.
IAB researcher Jens Stegmaier remarked, "For incentives to increase part-time work to be effective, it depends heavily on the target groups one wants to reach and whether structural barriers such as childcare remain."
The survey encompassed almost 3,800 socially insured employees aged 18 to 65 who responded online between April 12 and May 11, 2022.
Surveys
- Federal Employment Agency
- Black-Red
- Working Hours
While there is no up-to-date data on employees' stance toward unlimited daily working hours, the legal framework and cultural norms in Germany strongly discourage such extended hours, offering no evidence to suggest widespread support for endless workdays among German employees. The focus remains on work-life balance and economic prudence.
- In light of the discussion on flexible working hours, it would be intriguing to explore the perspectives of German employees on the proposed community policy regarding vocational training, especially in the context of workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness, as part of a balanced lifestyle.
- Considering the growing emphasis on home-and-garden activities as a means of relaxation and self-improvement through vocational training, it would be interesting to analyze how this approach might be integrated into the federal government's proposals, fostering a harmonious blend of work and personal life.
- As the government contemplates implementing measures for vocational training and promoting part-time work, it would be worth investigating the potential impact of these policies on the science of human behavior and productivity, providing insights into the most effective strategies for enhancing workplace-wellness and overall employee satisfaction.
