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The bulk of residents in the Community are opposed to jobless hours.

Unquestioning Compliance in Action: No Holds Barred

Employing tax reductions for overtime premiums aims to stimulate growth in part-time jobs, as...
Employing tax reductions for overtime premiums aims to stimulate growth in part-time jobs, as detailed by Black-Red.

Working Hours Debate: Germans Aren't Keen on Unlimited Workdays

The bulk of residents in the Community are opposed to jobless hours.

The federal government is discussing proposals for increased workflexibility, but a survey conducted by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) suggests Germans have strong reservations about unlimited daily work hours.

Part-time Work in Germany

Germany has one of the highest percentages of part-time employees in the EU, with around 29% of working-age individuals being employed part-time in 2024, according to the European Labour Force Survey. Only the Netherlands and Austria have higher part-time rates.

Overworking: A Double-edged Sword?

The survey discovered that 73% of employees in Germany reject unlimited work hours. However, 34% of respondents expressed a willingness to work more than ten hours per day on occasion. This is particularly true for younger employees. While 60% of those aged 30 and under are open to overtime due to tax advantages, this figure drops to 37% for those over 60.

The Allure of Tax-Free Bonuses

The survey further revealed that 45% of full-time employees would be more likely to work overtime if they received a tax-free bonus. This is particularly attractive for the younger demographic, with 60% of those under 30 willing to extend their overtime due to a tax-exempt bonus, compared to 37% of those over 60.

Part-time Potential

When offered a bonus, roughly 33% of part-time employees could consider increasing their hours permanently, averaging an additional six hours per week. The trend shows a significant divide between younger and older workers, with 48% of those under 30 expressing a willingness to permanently boost their hours, compared to only 24% of those over 60.

Encouraging Part-time Work

IAB researcher Jens Stegmaier commented, "The effectiveness of incentives to increase part-time work depends strongly on the target groups one aims to reach and whether structural barriers, such as those in childcare, persist."

The Survey

Approximately 3,800 socially insured employees aged 18 to 65 participated in the online survey between April 12 and May 11, 2022.

Reflections

Though specific details about an IAB survey on unlimited work hours are not available, insights can be gleaned from existing statistics and industry trends. German employees maintain a strong preference for balanced work schedules, discussion of unlimited work hours may face resistance, and potential adverse effects on job satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, such changes may conflict with existing labor laws and collective bargaining agreements.

  1. The community policy on unlimited work hours faces potential opposition in light of a survey revealing that 73% of German employees reject such a policy, while 34% are willing to work beyond ten hours on rare occasions, particularly younger employees.
  2. The survey indicates that policy-and-legislation surrounding part-time employment, vocational training, and overtime pay could significantly impact the workforce in Germany, as 45% of full-time employees would work overtime for a tax-free bonus, and 33% of part-time employees could increase their hours permanently if induced by incentives, with a significant divide found between younger and older workers.

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