Most people would prefer less work. From the employers’ point of view, however, more flexibility is needed for shorter working hours. Meanwhile, good working conditions are a high priority, the unions say.
According to a working time report, the majority of employees in Germany would like to work less. 53 percent of those in employment want to reduce their weekly working hours from the current average of 38.4 hours.
And almost half would like the working time to be spread over fewer than five working days, as can be seen from the working time report of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA). A representative survey of 20,000 employees from 2021 served as the database.
In view of the forthcoming reform of the Working Hours Act, the German metal and electrical industry is demanding more leeway for employers and employees. “The working hours that we have in Germany today are really among the shortest in the world,” said Stefan Wolf, President of the Gesamtmetall Employers’ Association. “Anyone who wants prosperity must then at least be able to distribute these short working hours in a highly flexible and unbureaucratic manner.” Time clocks didn’t fit the time.
Unions against extension of working hours
The IG Metall trade union demanded that occupational health and safety should be the focus of a new regulation on recording working hours. At the same time, there must be scope for self-determined time management. Board member Hans-Jürgen Urban countered the employer’s demands: “Hugely extending working hours and reducing rest periods is not a contribution to securing skilled workers.” Anyone who wants to work beyond the current legal level is overexploiting the health of the employees. Too long working hours led to more cases of illness.
Anja Piel from the board of directors of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) emphasized: “Employees don’t want to work even harder – they certainly don’t want to work unpaid overtime.” Persistent self-exploitation, permanent availability and unhealthy work are rejected. “Employers looking for skilled workers in particular should take a very close look at the results of this survey: good working conditions are right at the top of the priority list for employees,” emphasized Piel. “Not all employers have arrived in the new reality.”
Recording working hours has a positive effect, constant availability does not
According to the working time report, atypical working hours such as shift work or weekend work often lead to less satisfaction with the so-called work-life balance – i.e. the balanced relationship between professional requirements and private life. This is the order of the day for three quarters of the solo self-employed. The possibilities of the home office would like to be used. Working from home has increased significantly due to the corona pandemic.
The recording of working hours has a positive effect on the work-life balance. It is part of everyday work for four out of five employees. On the other hand, constant availability, professional contacts in free time and short rest periods of less than eleven hours led to dissatisfaction and a negative work-life balance.
Source: Stern
