Part-time work shines in Germany: A leading EU player
Germany ranks highly in the sector of part-time employment.
Germany's workforce ranks high in part-time employment among EU countries, with a whopping 29% of working-age people partaking in it as reported by the European Labour Force Survey in 2024. The Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden revealed these staggering figures [1]. This figure is only surpassed by the Netherlands with 43%, and Austria, trailing closely with 31% [1].
For EU comparison, mere 18% of workers engage in part-time employment [1]. In the gender spectrum, women are more inclined towards part-time work, with 48% of them opting for it compared to 12% of men [1]. Though the gender gap is smaller at the EU level, it's apparently more pronounced in Germany, as societal norms and employment policies tend to support this arrangement [4][5].
The economic slump in Germany has escalated calls for longer working hours and a reduction in part-time work. Business associations and managers contend that this shift will ensure prosperity for the nation [5]. Meanwhile, the federal government intends to establish a weekly maximum working time, an assertion vehemently rejected by trade unions, considering it the end of the eight-hour day [5].
Causes Behind high Part-time Employment in Germany
- Seeking Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Part-time work strikes a chord with Germans due to its appeal for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, a paramount priority in the German culture [4].
- Legal support: German legislation assists part-time employment, allowing employees to request a reduction in working hours after six months of employment [4].
- Economic Factors: The unpredictable economic climate could drive the rising trend of part-time work, as it presents a more stable job option in uncertain times [5].
Compared to EU Average
- Part-time Work Popularity: Germany's part-time employment outranks the EU average, with an average part-time worker clocking 20.8 hours a week, gleaming a penchant for flexible work schedules [4].
- Full-time Work Scene: In contrast to Germany, the full-time workforce in the EU averages at 40.2 hours a week [2].
In conclusion, Germany's rise to fame in part-time employment is underpinned by an assortment of cultural, legislative, and economic factors, with considerable gender differences. The growing debates surrounding increased working hours mirror the bigger economic and societal disputes [5].
Sources:1. ntv.de2. dpa3. [5] BZ Boston4. [4] Statista5. [5] The Local Germany[5] Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ).[4] Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Amid the ongoing economic debates in Germany, policymakers might consider implementing vocational training programs to upskill the workforce, providing opportunities for part-time employees to enhance their business skills and contribute to the country's prosperity.
- Given the widespread popularity of part-time work in Germany and the general-news emphasis on work-life balance, it would be insightful for finance sectors to provide tailored services for self-employed part-timers, catering to their unique financial needs within the realm of politics and business.
