Germans narrowly back weekly working hours limit over daily cap
Majority of Germans support weekly work hour cap for flexibility and longer weekends.
A narrow majority of German residents support replacing the current daily working hours limit with a weekly cap, according to a new YouGov survey.
The poll, conducted for dpa, found that 38% of respondents are in favor of the proposed change, 20% are opposed, and 37% are neutral.
The proposal, part of the new German government’s coalition agreement, would swap the existing eight-hour daily limit for a more flexible weekly model. Employees could then work longer hours on fewer days — for example, four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.
Supporters cited flexibility as a key advantage. Of those in favor, 82% said the model would allow for longer weekends. About 44% also noted potential benefits for employers, who would no longer be restricted by the daily cap.
Critics voiced concerns about productivity and worker well-being. Two-thirds of opponents said productivity drops after eight hours, and 61% warned that longer shifts could overburden employees. Around 40% also feared reduced time for family and leisure.
When asked to choose between four 10-hour days and five eight-hour days for the same pay, 37% preferred the four-day week, while 28% opted to stick with the current model.
Via Deutsche Welle
