Part-time rates for women are significantly higher than for men

Part-time rates for women are significantly higher than for men

In 2024, part-time work in Germany will remain predominantly among women, as data from the Federal Statistical Office based on the microcensus show. While around half of employed women work part-time, the proportion of men is only around 13 percent. The overall rate of part-time work among all employees rose slightly from 30 to 31 percent. The decision to reduce working hours is primarily influenced by the birth of a child. Two in three mothers with minor children work part-time, compared to just one in 11 fathers. The main reasons for mothers' limited employment are primarily childcare, while fathers often cite training or further education measures as the reason.

It is noticeable that people rarely work part-time at the beginning of their working life, while the rate rises sharply to over 75 percent after the age of 65. Despite the shortage of skilled workers, it should be noted that converting part-time to full-time only offers a solution in certain sectors. In male-dominated areas such as energy technology, heating, sanitary and air conditioning technology or in the construction industry, the part-time rate is around 5 percent. In contrast, part-time rates of 43 and 39 percent are recorded in the areas of geriatric care and health, although the workload here is perceived as exceptionally high.