Part-time employees in Germany reach a record level: Almost 40% of the workforce works in reduced hours.

The part-time employment rate in Germany reached a historic high in 2025, according to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).

The number of part-time employees increased by 1% compared to the previous year, reaching 16.88 million, which represents 39.9% of the workforce. In contrast, full-time employees decreased by 0.6%, totaling 25.43 million. This trend is explained by the increase in employment in sectors such as health and social services, which have a higher proportion of part-time workers. IAB expert Enzo Weber emphasized that, although part-time work has not been an unfavorable choice, there is still a need to improve professional development for women.

Additionally, the government coalition has urged employees to work more, even discussing the possible elimination of the legal right to part-time employment. The total number of employees in Germany remained constant at 45.98 million, with an average of 30.4 hours worked per week, similar to the previous year.