Approaches to a New Normal Working Time – A Discussion Contribution

Abstract

The current working hours regulation creates incentives for burdensome working times and does not sufficiently take into account scientific evidence on the effects of these burdens. This article presents a new approach: Based on a ‘new normal working time’ that is on the one hand widespread and on the other hand also desirable in terms of social and health policy, namely flexitime from Monday to Friday during the day, deviating working hours are to be evaluated with regard to their burden. Appropriate compensation in the form of additional free time instead of extra pay should then counterbalance this burden instead of paying for it. This would also reduce existing incentives to voluntarily remain in burdening working hours.