Germans potentially underworking, according to some perspectives
In a recent study published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) in Wiesbaden, it has been revealed that the average working hours per capita for men in Germany today is almost exactly the same as it was 30 years ago, despite a notable increase in average weekly working hours for women since German reunification.
The study, authored by Harun Sulak, attributes this trend to several factors. Economic restructuring and unification effects, persistent cultural and institutional differences between East and West Germany, labor market adaptations and social compromises, and employer discrimination dynamics have all played a role in pushing women into longer working hours.
Since reunification, average weekly working hours in Germany have increased notably, especially for women, reaching their highest levels since reunification at just under 29 hours per week. The general increase is particularly attributable to women, with their average working hours per capita having significantly increased over the past 15 years.
One significant cause of this trend is the economic restructuring and unification effects. The rapid economic unification led to severe hardships for eastern German workers, with sharp rises in unemployment and the collapse of many industries. This labor market pressure contributed to changes in employment patterns, pushing more women into longer or additional working hours to maintain household income.
Another factor is the persistent cultural and institutional differences between East and West Germany. Despite over 30 years post-reunification, employment rates for women and childcare availability differ significantly between the two regions, influencing female labor participation and working hours.
Labor market adaptations and social compromises have also played a role. Germany’s social model evolved through agreements such as the 2003-2004 Pforzheim Agreements, which balanced maintaining employment with adapting working hours and wages in large companies. These adaptations allowed working hours to be adjusted flexibly, potentially increasing hours worked.
Employer discrimination dynamics have also been identified as a factor. Research shows differing employer attitudes towards mothers returning to work in East vs. West Germany, which affects women’s reintegration and working time patterns after childbirth.
The implications of increasing weekly working hours for women are far-reaching. A shift in gender dynamics related to work and family balance, potential impacts on job satisfaction, health, and family life due to increased time pressures, and economic effects such as boosting labor supply and maintaining Germany’s competitive social market economy are all potential consequences.
However, the gap between men's and women's average weekly working hours in Germany has narrowed significantly, with women now working about 9 hours less than men on average. Men are currently more likely to be employed than in 1991, especially in older age groups. The data does not differentiate between full-time and part-time employment for either men or women, nor does it provide information about the quality or nature of the work being done.
The director of the Federal Statistical Office, Katharina Spieß, emphasizes the importance of family policy reforms such as expanding childcare to help balance work and family life for both women and men. This could potentially help reduce the working hours gap between men and women and improve the work-life balance for all.
The study authored by Harun Sulak highlights the role of employer discrimination dynamics in influencing the working hours of women, particularly in Germany, where research indicates different employer attitudes towards mothers returning to work in East and West Germany.
In light of the general increase in average weekly working hours, particularly for women, the health and wellness implications are substantial, as increased working hours may Lead to potential impacts on job satisfaction, health, and family life due to increased time pressures.
