Germany's Part-Time Work Surges to Record High, Predominantly Among Women
Germany has witnessed a significant rise in part-time work, with over 16.9 million employees now working reduced hours. This trend, predominantly among women, has been attributed to structural factors rather than individual diligence, according to recent data from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
The part-time quota in Germany has surpassed 40 percent for the first time, with nearly every second woman working part-time, compared to just 12 percent of men. This shift is not solely due to a lack of effort but also stems from issues like the tax system, scarcity of childcare options, and career barriers for women returning to work. The Institute for Employment Research (IAB) and Bundesagentur für Arbeit have been tracking these trends.
The number of people with side jobs has also increased to 4.6 million, indicating a more fragmented distribution of work. However, part-time work often means less responsibility and fewer career prospects, potentially leading to long-term low work volumes. Despite this, Germany's employment levels have remained high, even during a recession. The average hours worked per week by part-time workers has risen to 18.6 hours.
Germany's high part-time quota, only surpassed by the Netherlands and Austria, reflects a complex interplay of structural factors and societal expectations. As the debate continues, it is crucial to address these underlying issues to ensure part-time work is a choice, not a necessity, and to prevent it from limiting career prospects and work volume in the long term.
