Abstract
A comparison of working conditions in the public and private sectors shows that working time regulations in the public sector are more employee-friendly and that the protection of the workforce through collective agreements and co-determination is more comprehensive. However, in terms of wages, the public sector only offers advantages for women, while men are better off in the private sector. In order to persist in the growing competition for employees, the public sector should emphasise more strongly its importance as an employer, further boost its attractiveness for employees, and reinforce its attempts to retain employees.