Part-Time and Working Lifetime - Components of Demand-Oriented, Flexible Working Time Models

Abstract

Recent research has shown, that many employees prefer a reduction in their average weekly working hours. Worries regarding decreseases in income and reservations on the part of the employer are significant hurdles to overcome for the realization of such change. This article describes these hurdles and shows how more frequently than expected employers have an economic interest in part-time employment. Especially, when it comes to adjusting working hours to a volatile demand. Finally, we show that part-time work can be well integrated in shift plans and how a reduction in income as a result of part-time employment can be mediated with the utilization of working life models.