Germany: 3.8 Million Workers Sought Fewer Hours in 2025, Data Shows
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Wiesbaden – September 08, 2026 -- A net 0.6 hours per worker could be shaved off Germany's average working week if all employee time-preferences were realized, according to first results from the 2025 Mikrozensus survey released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
3.8 million employed people aged 15 to 74 in Germany wanted to work shorter hours in 2025, while 1.5 million wanted to work more, Destatis reported. Workers seeking reduced hours logged an average 40.9-hour week and wished to cut it by 10.5 hours. Those wanting more work averaged 26.2 hours weekly and sought an equivalent 10.5-hour increase.