A recent survey conducted by the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) has revealed a complex and nuanced perspective on working hours within the country’s workforce. The findings, published in the Handelsblatt newspaper, indicate a significant disparity between employees’ desires and the realities they face.
The survey, part of the DGB Index “Good Work” questioned 4,018 employees working at least ten hours a week between January and May. It found that 36% of those who expressed a willingness to work longer hours reported that their managers had rejected such requests. This highlights a potential barrier to flexibility originating within organizational structures.
According to DGB Chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi, “The problem in designing working hours is not the Working Time Act, but often the employers themselves”. Approximately 2.5 million part-time employees reportedly wish to increase their working hours, but are frequently hindered by managerial decisions or rigid operational processes.
Conversely, the survey also revealed that a slim majority – 53% – of employees desire shorter working hours. A quarter of the respondents currently work more than 40 hours per week. Reasons cited against reducing working time included concerns about managing existing workloads and financial insecurity.
The findings come ahead of the second social partnership dialogue concerning planned reforms to the Working Time Act, scheduled for Wednesday. The dialogue aims to address the evolving needs and preferences of the German workforce and foster more adaptable working arrangements.