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The debate on labor in Germany often focuses on working hours rather than structural issues. Research shows that the real problem lies not in people’s willingness to work, but in how that work is distributed.
The debate over part-time, full-time work, and labor productivity in Germany continues to simmer. But what does the research actually say about this?
An analysis by LMU Munich shows that the problem lies less in total working hours than in their unequal distribution. While many employees—especially those working full-time—are working at their breaking point, a significant portion of the labor force remains untapped. This is particularly evident among women, who more frequently work part-time—often not by choice, but due to a lack of childcare or inflexible work models.
The focus is therefore clear: The problem for Germany’s stagnating economy is by no means a lack of willingness to work, but rather structural barriers. Concrete solutions could include a better distribution of working hours, greater flexibility, and appropriate framework conditions. Measures that would help alleviate the shortage of skilled workers while distributing the burden more fairly, with a fundamental shift in perspective toward the question “How do we organize work sensibly?” rather than “Who works enough?”
The LMU article also examines the world of work in Japan and the impact of AI on employment.
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This text first appeared as an editorial in the weekly politjobs newsletter. If you’d like to receive this newsletter—featuring the latest jobs in the political sector—directly in your inbox every Wednesday, you can subscribe here.