Germany Ranks Low on Work Hours: Study Unveils Germans Work Less Than Most Nations
Average German Work Hours Reportedly Low According to Study
Got a bone to pick with the Germans' alleged lackadaisical work ethic? A recent study may just fuel your convictions. In a comparison with other OECD countries, Germany slots in third from the bottom. Yet, workers in Germany clocked more hours than a decade ago.
According to a study by the Institute of the German Economy (IW), Germans work significantly fewer hours than residents of most economic nations (except France and Belgium). In 2023, Germany logged about 1036 hours worked per person of working age (15 to 64 years), as reported by "Bild am Sonntag" citing the study.
These findings place Germany third from last in the OECD rankings. France, with around 1027 hours, and Belgium, with around 1021 hours, logged fewer hours worked than Germany. Conversely, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, and Israel logged the most hours.
Merz Urges a Boost in German Work Ethic
In a bid to address the shortage of skilled workers, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently called for Germans to work more. IW President Michael Hüther echoed this sentiment, stating, "We all experience the shortage of skilled workers on a daily basis. With approximately 4.2 billion hours of work anticipated to be in deficit by the end of the decade, we're in a tricky spot."
More Women Join the Workforce – Often Part-time
This workforce shortage is attributed to the growing number of women in employment. In 1991, just 57% of women of working age were employed, compared to 73.6% in 2023. The employment rate for men has also increased with time.
Interestingly, Germany sees one of the highest part-time rates among Western industrialized countries. Experts and economic associations have been advocating for years to improve childcare facilities to allow women to work more and longer.
For a more in-depth look at working hours across countries within the OECD, it's essential to consult the organization's official publications or databases. Preliminary data indicates that countries like Greece and Romania have longer working weeks, while the Netherlands boasts one of the shortest.
- Given Germany's struggles with workforce shortages, there might be a push for enhanced community policies to encourage increased participation in vocational training programs, creative solutions in finance for related businesses, and political discussions in general-news on promoting a stronger work ethic.
- In light of the increasing number of women in the workforce, particularly in part-time roles, it's crucial to consider implementing improvements in vocational training programs, potentially funded by innovative financial solutions, to inspire and prepare more women to take on full-time positions, contributing to a more robust workforce in politics and business.
