A significant majority of German workers are advocating for a fundamental shift in working hours, with 72% desiring a daily maximum of eight hours, according to a new survey released by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). The poll, presented in Berlin, further revealed that 98% of employees believe a ten-hour daily limit is the absolute maximum.
However, a considerable disconnect exists between this widespread aspiration and the reality of working conditions across the nation. Only 40% of employees expressed satisfaction with their current weekly working hours, while a substantial 53% actively prefer shorter workdays. This desire for reduced hours is particularly acute amongst workers experiencing unfavorable working conditions – a staggering 72% in this group wish for a curtailment of their work schedule.
The primary obstacle cited for this discrepancy lies in rigid operational structures within businesses. A majority (63%) pointed to inflexible processes as the major impediment to implementing shorter working hours, while 60% feel overwhelmed by the workload, making it difficult to complete tasks within the currently allocated time.
The DGB’s findings highlight a worrisome correlation between long working hours and negative health outcomes. Over 40% of employees regularly exceed the eight-hour workday – a pattern contributing to difficulty disconnecting from work, pervasive exhaustion and a detrimental effect on the crucial balance between professional and personal lives. Furthermore, a majority (63%) reported significant difficulties in that balance when faced with short-notice changes to working hours imposed by their employers.
A crucial regulatory requirement – the mandatory and complete recording of working hours by employers – remains inadequately implemented. While 70% of employees report that their working hours are fully documented, a concerning 23% lack any formal record-keeping and a further 7% experience partial or incomplete tracking. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about compliance with labor laws and raises concerns over potential exploitation and uncompensated work. The DGB’s survey underscores a pressing need for systemic reform within German workplaces, advocating for a renewed focus on employee wellbeing and the enforcement of existing labor regulations.
