A recent survey conducted by the German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB) has revealed a complex picture regarding employee preferences for working hours. The survey, part of the DGB Index “Good Work” questioned 4,018 employees working at least ten hours per week between January and May and highlights a dichotomy in employee desires.
A significant 36% of those expressing a wish to work additional hours reported having their requests denied by their supervisors. This points to potential obstacles within companies themselves, rather than limitations imposed by current labor laws, according to DGB Chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi. The survey suggests that approximately 2.5 million part-time employees in Germany would like to increase their working hours but are frequently hindered by managerial decisions or inflexible workflows.
However, the survey also indicates that a narrow majority, 53%, of employed workers desire shorter working hours. It was reported that a quarter of employees regularly work more than 40 hours per week. Reasons cited against reduced hours included concerns about the inability to manage workload and financial hardship.
The findings come as the German government plans a reform of the Working Time Act, with the second social partner dialogue scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the proposed changes. The complex and varied desires of German workers regarding working hours present a challenge for policymakers aiming to modernize labor laws and improve working conditions.
