Better Distribution of Working Hours!

“In Germany, overall less work is being done compared to the EU average. At the same time, we feel the shortage of skilled workers, and for some time now, a 42-hour workweek has been advocated for – an astonishingly helpless proposal,” writes Dr. Wiebke Ankersen in the column “Chefinnensache” for RND – RND – RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland.

“Before we discuss increasing the standard working hours, we should ensure that everyone can and wants to work full-time. The fact that comparatively fewer hours are worked here is mainly because half of the women work part-time, a very German phenomenon.”

Full-time work should become more attractive in Germany, as it is in Sweden, where both men and women generally work full-time – and where there is a work culture with great respect for family life: “No fixed meetings after 4 pm, and leaders visibly leave on time so it’s clear it’s okay to prioritize family.”

It’s a firmly established societal consensus with the effect that in Sweden, more women work compared to Germany, they take on leadership positions more frequently, and still have more children. “Because working full-time doesn’t automatically mean sacrificing private life – the state and companies provide good daycare centers, all-day schools, and a humane work culture that allows both work and life to coexist.”