Long hours worked by women in Germany at peak reach approximately 29 hours weekly
In Germany, the landscape of working hours has undergone significant changes over the past three decades, with both men and women contributing to the overall increase in average working hours per capita.
Since the economic weakness following reunification, men's working hours have seen a decrease, reaching a low point in the mid-2000s. However, since then, there has been a recovery, interrupted only by the COVID-19 pandemic. Men currently work an average of 2.6 hours less per week compared to 1991, but their working hours per capita remain at a level similar to that recorded in the early 1990s.
On the other hand, women's working hours have witnessed a notable increase. Over the past 15 years, women in Germany have generally increased their labor force participation and working hours, driven by social policies promoting gender equality, more part-time jobs becoming full-time, and shifts in family roles. As a result, the gap between men's and women's working hours per capita has narrowed significantly since 1991, with women now working over 24 hours per week, compared to 19 hours in 1991.
The increase in women's working hours is primarily due to a significant increase in the proportion of employed women. The proportion of employed women in Germany has increased by almost a third over the past three decades, with women now more likely to be employed than in 1991, especially in higher age groups.
Despite these increases, men typically still work more hours per capita on average, due mainly to higher full-time employment rates among men and continued part-time work or career breaks among many women. The gender gap in average weekly or annual working hours has been narrowing but not closed in Germany during this period.
Family-friendly reforms, such as the further needs-based expansion of childcare, are important framework conditions to help both women and men balance work and family life in Germany. According to BiB Director Katharina Spieß, there is still potential for further growth in the proportion of employed women.
It is worth noting that the ideal working hours perceived by women, and especially mothers, in Germany are still higher than the current actual working hours. The analysis was based on the weekly working hours per capita for the total population aged between 20 and 64 years, taking into account all individuals regardless of their current employment status.
For precise numbers and up-to-date figures on average working hours by sex over the last 15 years, consulting Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) or Eurostat databases directly would offer the most authoritative information.
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