Abstract
The demand for a work-life balance and the noticeable labour shortage have intensified the public debate on changes to working hours. Can society afford a general reduction in working hours or are longer working hours necessary? The assessment should not be based solely on the agreed reduction or extension of weekly working hours. The effective working time effects of various measures must be analysed. Possible adjustments for changes result from an analysis of the effects on work intensity and the number of employees. Changes in sick leave and the number of vacation days as well as adjustments in full-time and part-time employment are significant, as is the case with the effective retirement age.