Adequate balance between life aspects doesn't guarantee wealth, according to Linnemann.
Germany's CDU, within the coalition government with the SPD and CSU, calls for increased productivity from its citizens. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann suggests flexible weekly working hours as a solution. The proposal has received partial approval, as it could benefit families or those with dependents.
In an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), Linnemann stressed the importance of productivity in maintaining prosperity and upholding social security systems. He criticized a perceived "life-life balance" in favor of work-life balance, claiming it may hinder national progress.
The new government aims to boost productivity through changes such as the possibility of an "active pension" or by making weekly working hours more flexible. A survey by market research institute Ipsos indicates a division among the German population regarding the idea of replacing the current eight-hour daily working limit with a weekly maximum. Forty-six percent approve of this shift, while 44% oppose the change.
The union and SPD have expressed concerns over the potential extension of daily working hours, fearing the end of the traditional eight-hour day that has been in place since 1918. The Working Hours Act currently states that daily working hours should not exceed eight hours, with exceptions only for exceptional cases. If passed, the CDU proposal would abolish the daily cap in favor of a weekly one.
According to available data, the reform effort involves more than just changing working hours. Key elements include electronic recording of working hours for digitalization purposes, retaining important protections such as minimum rest periods, and making overtime bonuses tax-free. The proposal is intended to adapt to modern work demands and address issues such as skilled labor shortages.
A recent YouGov survey shows a cautiously positive but divided public stance on the proposed changes, with 38% supporting the shift and 37% remaining neutral. Significant portions of the population (20%) remain opposed.
References: ntv.de, hny/AFP.
The Commission, the Council, the European Parliament, and the German European Parliament must closely monitor the evolving debate on productivity and work-life balance, given its implications for finance, business, politics, and general-news. The proposed changes in Germany, including flexible weekly working hours and the potential removal of the eight-hour daily working limit, have sparked divided public opinion, with the union and SPD expressing concerns while the CDU argues for progress and social security.
