Part-time work: A prominent feature in Germany's workforce landscape
High percentage of part-time employment in Germany among EU nations, standing at approximately 29% - High Proportion of Part-time Jobs in Germany, Ranking among the Highest in the European Union
Germany stands out in the EU, with 29% of its working-age population clocking part-time jobs, averaging 21.8 hours per week. This percentage is significantly higher compared to the EU average of 18%, and trails only behind the Netherlands' staggering 43% and Austria's 31%.
Women, particularly in Germany, often find themselves in part-time employment. Across the EU, the percentage of women working part-time is 28%, while in Germany, it skyrockets to an astounding 48%. Men, on the other hand, make up just 12% of part-time workers in Germany, compared to 8% across the EU.
This elevated part-time work rate among women in Germany is a complex issue, rooted in various interconnected factors:
1. A Preference for Part-Time Work:
Germany has a notable inclination towards part-time employment, with almost 30% of workers employed part-time in 2023 [2]. The majority of these part-time workers are women, reflecting a distinct gender pattern in employment.
2. Labor Market Segregation:
Women in Germany often work part-time in sectors less valued by the market. They account for more than 75% of part-time workers in these sectors [5]. The labor market is territorially divided along gender lines, with women being underrepresented in high-skilled fields and overrepresented in healthcare, education, and well-being sectors.
3. Juggling Work and Family:
The challenge of harmonizing work and family life is a primary reason for women's higher part-time employment rates. Many women opt for part-time positions to manage childcare and household responsibilities, a choice that is especially pronounced in Germany [5]. Social values and family support systems play a significant role in these decisions, often leading women to compromise on full-time work.
4. The Wage Gap and Career Progression:
Although women in Germany earn on average less than men (€4,000 vs. €4,702 monthly in 2023), the wage gap mainly results from differences in work patterns, occupational segregation, and part-time vs. full-time work status [4]. This wage disparity may discourage full-time employment if the economic implications with family responsibilities are unfavorable.
5. Underrepresentation in Leadership:
Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles in Germany and the EU [5]. This lack of representation in decision-making positions limits career advancement opportunities and perpetuates part-time work as an acceptable or necessary choice for many women, rather than a temporary phase before full-time employment.
Despite politicians and business associations criticizing Germany for its lower-than-average work hours, the country continues to maintain a higher percentage of employed individuals compared to the EU average [6].
In 2024, 77% of the German population aged 15 to 64 were employed, significantly higher than the EU average of 71% [6]. This above-average figure for women is considered a "positive development" by experts like Yvonne Lott, an expert on working hours at the WSI [1]. Lott suggests that the government could capitalize on this by focusing on promoting work-life balance further.
Although the OECD [3] attributes Germany's relatively high part-time work rate for women to factors like insufficient full-day childcare and the spousal tax split, Federal Minister of Economics, Katherina Reiche (CDU), has rejected the proposal to abolish the latter [6].
References:
[1] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/niedrigstes-arbeitszeit-pro-cent-in-europa-die-gesamte-bewertung-stellt-das-deutsche-modell-der-zeit-bank-zu-frage/26496624.html
[2] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/DDN-20171221-2
[3] https://www.oecd.org/de/dokumente/arbeitszeit-ohne-grenzen-ein-profi-fur-die-wirtschaft.pdf
[4] https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Laender-Regionen/Artikel/Beschaeftigung/Beschaeftigungsdaten-Monatsbericht.html
[5] https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2020/finding-gender-segregated-work-stereotypes-a-meta-analysis-of-quantitative-and-qualitative-research-2020.pdf?la=en&vs=620
[6] https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Laender-Regionen/Artikel/Beschaeftigung/Beschaeftigungsdaten-Jahresbericht.html
Tags:
- EU
- Germany
- Part-time
- Part-time rate
- Women
- Men
- Netherlands
- Austria
- Work-life balance
- Family responsibilities
- Gender pay gap
- Labor market segmentation
- Career progression
- Leadership representation
The increased focus on part-time work in Germany has resulted in a variety of vocational training programs for women seeking to improve their skills and adapt to the workforce, thus fostering a more diverse and skilled workforce. This addresses the underrepresentation of women in high-skilled fields and potentially reduces labor market segregation. [ paused ]
In an effort to tackle the higher wage gap between men and women, some financial entities are introducing inclusive funding initiatives to support women-owned businesses and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship, thereby promoting gender equality and improving overall lifestyle choices. [ paused ]
