Opinion: The nation known for its emphasis on discipline realizes that working less might not be such a bad idea after all.
In Germany, there is a paradox: its leaders reject the four-day workweek in the name of effort, but statistics point to it as the way forward. Between business tests, changes in mindset, and social challenges, the debate rages on.
The paradox of work in Germany
Some have even claimed that prosperity has never come from “working less.” However, the numbers show a different story: with an average of 1,341 annual hours worked, Germany falls behind Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in work dedication. On the other hand, countries like Mexico and Colombia surpass 2,400 hours, albeit with lower productivity. Less work doesn’t mean less efficiency, but it does fuel political debate.
Structural and social factors
The lack of comprehensive reconciliation policies and limited school and daycare hours perpetuate a model where many working women must opt for part-time work. The result: Germany has one of the largest gaps in full-time equivalent employment in the EU, reinforcing a dynamic where private life takes precedence over career.
Companies, society, and the clash with politics
While leaders reject the four-day workweek, companies that have tried it show positive results and claim they don’t want to go back to the five-day model. They also note a cultural shift: only 43% of employees see high performance as profitable, and 83% prioritize personal life over professional. Meanwhile, unemployment exceeds three million, the economy shrinks, and the need to attract up to 288,000 foreign workers annually clashes with resistance to open borders.
