Working Longer Hours: The Controversial Proposal of Weekly Working Time
Research Findings: Proposed New Workweek Schedule Includes 12-Hour Workdays Each Day - Reduced Weekend Breaks, Study Reveals Daily Workload Expands to 12 Hours
In a proposed shift, the weekly working time suggests work days of up to 12 hours, according to the Hans-Böckler Foundation. This change, opposed by trade unions, could lead to health risks, family pressure, and increased absenteeism, warns an analysis by the Hugo Sinzheimer Institute for Labor Law (HSI).
The coalition agreement aims to offer the possibility of a "weekly instead of a daily maximum working time." However, maintaining the existing rest period regulations ensures at least 11 hours between two shifts, and 45 minutes of scheduled break time during the workday. Nevertheless, the option for a working day exceeding 12 hours remains.
Trade union leaders, such as DGB chief Yasmin Fahimi, have been vocal about their concerns, stating the change could legalize questionable business models. Instead, they argue, this plan could lead to regular 12-hour shifts in industries like parcel services and the hotel and catering industry, with insufficient rest periods.
The HSI analysis highlights potential health risks, such as stress-related and psychological illnesses due to excessive working hours, as well as increased accident risks. However, the coalition agreement promises to uphold high standards in occupational safety and refuses to force employees into higher working hours.
Proponents of the weekly working time argue it could improve family and career compatibility, providing employees with the opportunity to work four 10-hour shifts instead of five 8-hour shifts. The Federal Association of German Employers' Associations (BDA) asserts that the demand for flexible work hours among employees outweighs the risks, and the continued obligation to grant rest periods ensures safety.
The HSI acknowledges that the existing law already allows, under certain conditions, working days of up to 10 hours. Furthermore, the working time volume of dependent employees in Germany in 2023 was significantly above the level of 1991. However, almost a third of employees worked part-time in 2023, resulting in a comparatively low average weekly working time. The HSI authors argue that weakening the Working Hours Act would not improve this situation.
Interestingly, while trade unions are critical, many in the population support the coalition's plans to change from daily to weekly maximum working hours. According to a recent YouGov poll, 38% of respondents support the proposal, while 20% reject it. Supporters hope for an extended weekend as a result of working four long shifts and one day off, instead of five regular workdays.
- Weekly working time
- Hans-Böckler Foundation
- Coalition agreement
- Maximum working time
- Employers
- Health Risks
- Economic Implications
- Family-Career Compatibility
- DGB
- BDA
- YouGov poll
Health Risks:
- Sleep Disorders and Fatigue: Overworking can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia, sleep disorders, and fatigue.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term exposure to stress and fatigue can exacerbate chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Mental Health: Excessive working hours can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Economic Implications:
- Increased Overtime Costs: Implementing long hours can lead to overtime pay, increasing labor costs for employers.
- Decreased Productivity: Fatigue from long shifts can reduce efficiency, potentially affecting the quality of work and overall productivity.
- Turnover and Absenteeism: Difficult work schedules can lead to increased employee turnover and absenteeism.
Family-Career Compatibility Issues:
- Disrupted Family Life: Rotating shifts can severely disrupt family routines, social life, and personal relationships.
- Impact on Personal Relationships: The constant change in work schedules can strain personal relationships and make it difficult to maintain a stable family life.
- Caregiving Challenges: Long shifts can make it difficult for workers to manage caregiving responsibilities like childcare or eldercare.
- The Hans-Böckler Foundation has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with the proposed weekly working time, including sleep disorders and fatigue, chronic conditions, and mental health issues.
- According to the Coalition agreement, the change from daily to weekly maximum working hours aims to improve family and career compatibility, but trade unions like DGB argue it could lead to regular 12-hour shifts in certain industries, potentially impacting personal relationships and family life.
