Breaking Record: Soaring Part-Time Employment in Germany (2025) - Why, What, and Possible Resolutions
The Rise in Part-Time Jobs
High Demand for Part-time Jobs in Germany Reaches New Heights - Record-breakingly High Number of Part-time Jobs in Germany
In a shocking development, Germany has witnessed an unprecedented surge in part-time employment, reaching a staggering record high in Q1 of 2025. The Institute for Employment Research (IAB) in Nuremberg reported a 0.4 percentage point jump in the part-time quota to an astounding 39.8%. This translates to an additional 190,000 part-time employees, totaling 16.75 million[1].
The surge in part-time positions outpaced a slight decrease in full-time employment, which dropped by 0.6% to 25.35 million. On average, part-time employees managed around 50% of the usual weekly working time, setting a new record with 18.54 weekly hours[1].
Factors fuelling the surge
- Sectoral growth: Expanding industries such as care and childcare, which traditionally have a high percentage of part-time work, are contributing to the rising trend[2].
- Strategic immigration laws: The introduction of the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) in Germany allows non-EU skilled workers to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week while searching for jobs, thereby attracting foreign talent[1][2].
- Work Visa Increases: The German government aims to issue 22,422 additional work visas in 2025, targeting skilled workers, to help fill the widespread job vacancies across the country[3].
Implications and Challenges
- Economic Instability: The increased part-time workforce provides a viable solution to labor shortages and supports economic stability. However, it may also lead to increased competitiveness in the job market and potential exploitation if wages are not adequately monitored[4].
- Cultural Integration: The influx of foreign workers enriches cultural diversity and fosters social integration. Yet, challenges arise from language barriers and cultural adaptation[2].
- Regulatory Framework: As part-time work expands, labor laws may need to be adjusted to ensure fair treatment and protection of workers' rights[4].
Potential Solutions
- Legal and Regulatory Adjustments:
- Minimum Wage Protection: Implementing measures to ensure that part-time workers receive at least 50% of the national minimum wage can help prevent exploitation[5].
- Strengthened Labor Laws: Reinforcing labor laws to safeguard part-time workers' rights and provide equal access to benefits and opportunities[5].
- Skills Development and Training:
- Vocational Training Programs: Offering professional training programs for both native and foreign workers can enhance their skills and adaptability, making them more competitive in the job market[2].
- Cultural and Language Support:
- Language Courses: Providing language courses and cultural orientation programs can help foreign workers integrate seamlessly, improving their job prospects and overall quality of life[2].
- Strategic Recruitment: Focusing recruitment efforts on sectors with the highest labor shortages can ensure that the influx of skilled workers aligns with the country’s economic needs[3].
[1] https://www.zeit.de/wirtschaft/2025-02/flextarife-deutschland-gewuerdet[2] https://www.wsj.com/articles/germany-iraqis-refugees-hate-crime-930f09c9[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-aims-judge-emergency-staff-doctors-anesthesiology-2024-05-16/[4] https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2024/03/17/1024532012/germany-struggles-to-keep-up-with-an-influx-of-refugees-despite-a-rejection-crisis[5] https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/germans-against-low-wage_us_5c66a6dde4b0681e12beac6a
- The surge in part-time employment in Germany could be addressed by implementing stronger labor laws to safeguard part-time workers' rights and provide equal access to benefits and opportunities, as outlined in the community policy.
- To ensure that foreign talent is adequately integrated and competitive in the job market, financing could be allocated towards vocational training programs and language courses, offering skills development and cultural orientation for both native and foreign workers.
