Government Plans for Extended Working Hours: A Double-Edged Sword
The German government aims to allow companies to transition to a weekly working time structure. According to the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, this could lead to workdays of up to twelve hours and fifteen minutes, igniting debate across various sectors.
The proposed shift could potentially result in extended workdays. A study by the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung indicates significant impacts on health , including increased sickness absences and heightened pressure on family dynamics, cautioning that such a change could be “economically counterproductive.”
According to the coalition agreement, the government seeks to implement a “weekly instead of a daily maximum working time.” This proposal ensures that existing regulations regarding rest periods remain intact, requiring at least eleven hours between shifts. In addition, experts from the HSI calculate that 45 minutes of breaks need to be included during working hours, leading to the possibility of workdays exceeding twelve hours.
Labor unions have voiced strong opposition to abandoning the eight-hour workday, a standard since 1918, while employer associations argue for increased flexibility in the labor market. Yasmin Fahimi, head of the DGB (German Trade Union Confederation), reiterated her critique in an interview with the Rheinische Post: “It seems more about legalizing questionable business models, such as regular twelve-hour shifts with subcontractors in the package delivery service or the absence of rest periods in the hotel and catering industries.”
Warning of Health Risks
“Medical findings show that working hours exceeding eight hours jeopardize health,” states the analysis. Over time, this could lead to increased stress and psychological conditions, resulting in more absences and premature exits from the job market. Furthermore, the risk of accidents increases after the eighth hour of work, both in the workplace and during the commute home.
The coalition agreement states that “high standards in occupational safety” will be maintained, and “no employee should be compelled against their will to work longer hours.” It is also emphasized that the reform aims to facilitate better work-life balance . However, the HSI analysis counters this by stating, “Predictability and planning of working hours are vital for harmonizing work and family life. This could adversely affect the workforce, particularly among women.”
Ten Hours Already Legally Possible
HSI experts argue that existing laws already allow for flexible working conditions, permitting workdays of up to ten hours under specific circumstances. Additionally, the working hours for employees in Germany in 2023 reached 54.59 billion hours, significantly higher than the 52.2 billion hours recorded in 1991.
However, the HSI acknowledges, based on data from the Institute for Employment Research, that the average working hours of employees dropped from approximately 1,478 hours in 1991 to around 1,295 hours in 2023. This decline can largely be attributed to nearly a third of employees working part-time, resulting in a lower average working time of 34.7 hours per week compared to the European average. According to HSI authors, softening the labor laws won’t improve this situation; on the contrary, it may worsen worker conditions.
The ongoing discussion around the potential shift in working hours in Germany reflects a complex interplay between economic necessity and the well-being of employees. Stakeholders from various sectors are advocating for positions that either promote the flexibility of the work environment or safeguard the health and balance of workers. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains clear that the implications of these changes will be felt across the workforce, and careful consideration must be given to both the potential benefits and pitfalls.
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