Germany: women’s full-time employment rate has dropped between 1991 and 2011

Figures published by the WSI Institute of Economic and Social Research in the Hans-Böckler Foundation show that, with increased labor market flexibility in Germany over recent years, more women now work part time.  From a long-term study of 10 category of weekly working time, ranging from “1-9 hours” to “55+,” the WSI’s researchers show that, while the number of working women has substantially increased in 20 years, the number of women working full-time (36-39 hours per week) was cut in half.  In total, 52% of active women work part-time as opposed to 20% in 2011.  (Ref.  130262)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

The long-term (1991-2011) figures on the evolution of working time for women in Germany presented by the WSI are unequivocal. Full-time jobs (36-39 hours/week) have dropped while part-time is soaring, especially ‘marginal’ part-time (up to 15 hours/week) and, to a lesser extent, ‘substantial’ part-time (15-31 hours/week) and, finally, what the researchers call ‘close-to-full-time part-time’ (32-35 hours/week). In more detail, the proportion of women working full-time went from 34.2 down to 1

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Catherine Chavanier (CDC Habitat): “Social dialogue on AI facilitates its deployment”
In February, CDC Habitat (10,500 employees) signed a two-year framework agreement governing social dialogue on AI. Catherine Chavanier, HR Director of the subsidiary of CDC (Caisse des dépôts et...
EU: Council adopts position on simplifying AI rules
The Council of the EU approved its position on 13 March regarding the “omnibus regulation” proposal, published last November by the Commission to simplify the AI Act. Confirming the...
20 March 2026
Germany: menopause issues finally gain corporate recognition
With 12 million women over 40 in the labour force, German companies and occupational health professionals are beginning to adopt support policies for those affected by menopause-related issues...
Greece: hospitality sector signs first collective agreement aligned with National Social Pact
The hospitality sector (125,000 employees), one of Greece’s largest industries after retail, signed a new two-year collective agreement on 17 March. The text, effective from 1 April 2026...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
France: CDC Habitat defines a framework and means for social dialogue on AI
In an agreement signed on 23 February with trade unions, the subsidiary of CDC (Caisse des dépôts et consignations) Habitat (10,800 employees) guarantees that AI solutions will only...
2
France: La Poste to launch negotiations for an AI agreement
Following the lead of firms such as Axa, Syensqo globally, and more recently CDC Habitat, La Poste group management will open negotiations on an AI regulation agreement during the first half of...
3
France: bioMérieux’s new disability agreement pivots towards mental health
The news. On 6 January 2026, bioMérieux—an in vitro diagnostics specialist employing 4,400 people in France—signed a new four-year agreement “relating to the employment...
4
Germany: controversial collective bargaining compliance act adopted
On 26 February, the Bundestag approved the Tariftreuegesetz (collective bargaining compliance act), aimed at strengthening collective agreements and tackling social dumping by tying certain public...
26 February 2026
5
United Kingdom: launch of consultation on protection against detriment for industrial action
The British government launched a public consultation on 26 February regarding new protections for workers against "detriment" related to industrial action, scheduled to take effect in October...
12 March 2026
6
Germany: a wave of redundancy plans in the automotive sector
The latest financial results presented in early 2026 by major German car manufacturers show sharp declines. This collapse in profits has triggered the announcement or confirmation of massive job...
16 March 2026