Germany: Majority opposes 4-day workweek with full pay

A survey found that 55% of people living in Germany do not consider four-day workweeks at full pay desirable, according to results published on Tuesday.

The four-day model, as opposed to the five-day workweek that is common in most industrialized countries, has been the subject of many attempts in recent times.

Most companies and organizations that have tested the four-day model have found that it facilitates a better work-life balance and reduces stress among workers.

In Germany, the metallurgists’ union IG Metall, the largest union in Europe, is among the organizations proposing the introduction of the model.

What did the research in Germany find?

The study, carried out by the Forsa Research Institute for the magazine sternshowed that residents of the eastern German states, which were formerly part of the communist German Democratic Republic, were the most skeptical of the idea.

Among them, 62% opposed the introduction of a four-day work week, in contrast to 54% in western states.

The poll also showed that opinions vary widely among supporters of different political parties.

People who voted for the environmentalist Green Party most liked the four-day model, with 69% in favor and 29% against.

Supporters of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) were, however, mostly against the idea, with just 43% supporting and 53% opposing.

The strongest resistance came from those who favor the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP). Here, 76% found the idea of ​​shortening the work week by one day undesirable, with just 25% in favor of having more free time.

In general, those who supported the idea cited test results in other European countries, which pointed to reduced stress levels and increased productivity.

Opponents were of the opinion that companies could face financial difficulties and that the work that needed to be done could not necessarily be done if there were fewer hours to complete it.

This article is based on material from the DPA news agency.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

While you’re here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what’s happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly Berlin Briefing email newsletter.