Recent analysis from the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) indicates that average weekly working hours per capita in Germany have reached their highest level since reunification, approaching 29 hours. This increase is largely attributed to a significant rise in the working hours of women over the past fifteen years.
While men’s average weekly working hours remain roughly consistent with early 1990s levels, women have increased their average from approximately 19 hours in 1991 to over 24 hours in 2022. Harun Sulak of BiB explains this growth is driven by increased female participation in the workforce, with the rise in full and part-time employment among women exceeding the impact of increased part-time work.
The proportion of employed women has increased by nearly a third over the last three decades. However, the BiB suggests potential for further growth, noting that women, particularly mothers, ideally desire working hours that exceed their current reality. Director of the BiB, Katharina Spieß, highlights the importance of family-friendly policies, such as expanding childcare provisions, to better enable both women and men to balance work and family life.
Data reveals minimal changes in working patterns among men since 1991. Following the economic challenges of reunification and associated business closures, particularly in eastern Germany, average weekly working hours initially decreased, reaching a low point in the mid-2000s. A subsequent recovery was briefly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
BiB Research Director Sebastian Klüsener points out that while more men are employed today than in 1991-especially among older demographics-they are working an average of 2.6 hours less per week. These factors largely offset each other, resulting in male working hours remaining close to levels observed three decades ago.
Overall, the data indicates a positive trend toward greater workforce participation, primarily influenced by the increased involvement of women. The gap between the working hours of men and women has narrowed considerably, from approximately 14 hours in 1991 to just over nine hours today. Klüsener asserts this development signifies not only a labor market signal but also a reflection of broader societal change.
The analysis calculates average weekly working hours per capita for the total population aged 20-64, encompassing all individuals regardless of their current employment status.
