Germany’s economic minister, Katherina Reiche (CDU), has reiterated that German workers are putting in too few hours overall. “We’re losing because the total annual work volume is lower than in other OECD countries” she told “Bild am Sonntag”. Reiche stressed that this isn’t due to a lack of productivity per hour or insufficient effort per hour; rather, the sheer number of hours worked is too small, and that reduces growth potential.
To lift output, Reiche calls for measures beyond the part‑time debate. She advocates longer working lives after the retirement age, more flexible weekly hour limits, and, most importantly, ensuring that overtime is not stifled. “Currently, overtime is often tax‑unfriendly, so we are again losing opportunities” she said.
Looking at broader reforms to improve Germany’s competitiveness, Reiche added that the country needs a larger stimulus this year to achieve growth.