More Flexible Working Hours : Germany

Introduction of more flexible working hours is essential in order to optimally organize public administration and ensure efficient and responsible execution of its tasks. Working hours must be structured in a manner that will meet both the functional requirements of the public service and the needs of its employees. The Federal Government has therefore always attached particular importance to the encouragement of part-time employment in the public service. Part-time employment affords new options for better reconciling the demands of family and working life. It can, however, create new employment opportunities as well. With about 21.2 percent part-time employees (federal, state and local authorities as of 1996), the public service is setting an example for private industry in this regard.

Under the 1997 Act to Amend the Public Service Law, part-time employment for professional civil servants has been regulated as follows: Any professional civil servant may be employed part-time as long as this does not conflict with the public interest. Salaried employees and wage earners in the public service are basically free to negotiate part-time employment with their employers.