In 2023, a report by the German Economic Institute (IW) indicated that German workers averaged 1,036 hours, placing Germany among OECD countries with the fewest working hours. However, recent data and discussions in 2025 suggest a more nuanced picture, with debates around work-life balance, productivity, and potential economic pressures.
While some reports point to Germany's relatively low average working hours compared to other nations, the German Economic Institute (IW) finds that a four-day workweek is not a widespread phenomenon. They also suggest that levels of potential negative stress are determined more by personal characteristics and the nature of the job than by the number of working hours alone.
The OECD's data highlights the complexities of comparing working hours across countries, emphasizing that variations in data collection methods make direct comparisons challenging. As Germany navigates economic pressures in 2025, discussions around working hours continue, focusing on balancing productivity, employee well-being, and the country's overall economic competitiveness.