The reasons for working part‑time are varied and differ in strength for women and men.
In 2024, the most frequently cited reason among part‑time workers was a personal desire to work fewer hours. According to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) at the end of the 2024 micro‑census, 27.9 % of all 13.1 million part‑time employees said this was their motive. The figure was higher for women (28.9 %) than for men (24.9 %).
Another major reason is caring for relatives. Twenty‑three point five percent of part‑time workers reduced their hours so they could look after children, people with disabilities, or care‑needs persons. Among women this share was 28.8 %, more than four times the 6.8 % reported by men. Eleven point six percent cited education, training, or study as a reason for part‑time work; men (21.5 %) mentioned this more often than women (8.4 %).
Health issues also drive part‑time arrangements: 4.9 % worked reduced hours because of their own illness or disability. An additional 4.8 % would like to work full time but cannot find a suitable position. The remaining 27.4 % listed other personal, family, or miscellaneous reasons.
Overall, 30.6 % of all German workers were in part‑time employment in 2024. The part‑time rate was markedly higher for women (49.5 %) than for men (13.9 %).
Those working part‑time to care for children or care‑needs relatives mainly did so by choice. Seventy‑five percent of those caring part‑time claimed they personally took on the care duty. Availability or cost of care services were less decisive: only 11.1 % of caregivers reported no suitable care service at the required times, 5.2 % could not afford it, and 3.1 % could not find a suitable offer nearby. Fifteen point four percent cited other reasons, according to Destatis.
