welt.de
Record High Part-Time Employment in Germany
Germany's part-time employment hit a record high in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 39.8 percent, with 16.75 million part-time employees working an average of 18.54 hours per week, while full-time employment decreased. This is driven by growth in sectors with high part-time employment, like healthcare and childcare, despite a slight overall decrease in work volume due to economic factors.
- How did the growth in specific sectors contribute to the rise in part-time employment in Germany during the first quarter of 2025?
- This surge in part-time work is linked to growth in sectors with high part-time employment rates, such as healthcare and childcare. Despite the increase in part-time workers and hours, the overall reduction in full-time jobs and increased short-time work due to an economic crisis resulted in a minimal overall increase in total work volume.
- What is the impact of the record-high part-time employment in Germany during the first quarter of 2025 on the overall German workforce and economy?
- In Germany, the first quarter of 2025 saw a record high in part-time employment, reaching 39.8 percent of the workforce, a 0.4 percent increase from the previous quarter and 190,000 more part-time employees than the previous year. Part-time employees now average 18.54 weekly hours, also a record.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this trend for Germany's labor market, considering the current economic climate and future workforce needs?
- While the increase in part-time work partially offsets job losses in full-time positions, the overall impact on Germany's labor market remains complex and influenced by economic downturns. Further investigation is needed to determine the long-term effects of this trend on labor productivity and overall economic growth.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the increase in part-time work as a positive development, emphasizing its potential to address labor shortages. While it acknowledges the economic downturn, the overall tone suggests that the growth in part-time employment is a largely positive trend. The headline could be seen as subtly promoting this positive view. The inclusion of quotes from officials supporting this perspective further strengthens this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, relying on statistical data and quotes from experts. However, phrases like "erhebliches Potenzial" (considerable potential) in relation to increased part-time hours could be viewed as subtly positive, potentially downplaying any potential downsides.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the increase in part-time work and its potential impact on the labor market, but it omits discussion of potential negative consequences associated with the rise in part-time employment, such as decreased job security or lower overall earnings for some individuals. The article also doesn't explore the reasons behind the decrease in full-time employment besides mentioning the economic crisis. A more comprehensive analysis would include these perspectives.
Sustainable Development Goals
The increase in part-time employment and the growth of sectors with high part-time employment rates (such as healthcare and childcare) contribute to economic growth and potentially alleviate labor shortages. While there is a decrease in overall working hours, this is offset by the increase in part-time jobs and the higher number of total hours worked.