Fixed working hours—still relevant today?

Are working models with fixed working hours—whether part-time or full-time—still appropriate in today's world? A recent study by the Bertelsmann Foundation answers this question with a resounding “no.” Respondents were asked to rate various job advertisements in terms of their attractiveness, including their compatibility with family life.

Instead of fixed working hours, the majority of the approximately 2,500 respondents called for flexible models, both in terms of the scope and location of work. The compatibility of work and family life was also particularly emphasized. Only 30% of respondents preferred a job with fixed working hours.

While almost half of women (48%) in Germany work part-time, it is women in particular who want more flexibility in choosing the scope and location of their work. Flexitime options or the possibility of deciding completely flexibly on one's own working hours without core working hours are also popular. One's own children also have an influence: only 21% of women with a young child prefer full-time jobs. At the same time, part-time models without the option of flexible hour increases are also unpopular. Mothers in particular often start with a part-time position when returning to work due to the stereotypical division of care work. If this cannot be flexibly increased later on, women fall into the “part-time trap” and miss out on career opportunities and the chance to fully develop their professional potential.

Related to this, the factor of family friendliness also plays a major role for respondents. The mention of a family-friendly working environment in the job advertisement is an important aspect for 44% of mothers with young children. Women and men also appreciate financial support from their employer for childcare and childcare facilities close to their workplace.

We were also interested in the following topics:

• Further education: What criteria are decisive for high school graduates when choosing between university and vocational training? This is the subject of a new study by the IAB. According to the study, labor market opportunities, working conditions, and earning potential are particularly decisive factors.

• Home office: The trend toward remote work and home offices continues. Now, more and more companies are reducing their office space due to declining space requirements on site, reports the FAZ.

• Equality in working life: How do employees perceive the stresses caused by gainful employment – and are there gender-specific differences? This question is answered by a study by the FES, which examines working conditions from the perspective of men and women, focusing on the influence of parenthood.

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