Bernd Fitzenberger, Director of the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), has expressed strong reservations about the concept of flexible daily working hours. Speaking to the “Frankfurter Rundschau”, he warned that excessively long working days can lead to exhaustion, place a strain on health, and potentially diminish productivity, as fatigue sets in. The economist stressed that overly lengthy shifts can prove counterproductive.
Furthermore, Fitzenberger pointed out that flexibility could exacerbate existing integration issues if childcare facilities fail to extend their operating hours. He also strongly advocates for retaining robust protective regulations. According to Fitzenberger, limiting daily working time is a form of health protection, especially since employees often hold a less favorable negotiation position when working hours are determined flexibly. Strict regulations on maximum daily working hours should remain in place for jobs where safety is critical, including certain roles in office environments like IT security and air traffic control.
Looking toward solutions for the labor market, Fitzenberger suggests that stronger incentives for employment and the implementation of voluntary overtime would be beneficial. He also called for a thorough review of hiring models such as “Minijobs” and existing tax regulations like the spousal tax splitting system.
