The focus should not be on convincing Europeans to work longer hours

European Workers Embrace Shorter Hours, Challenging Governments to Adapt

As Europeans continue to enjoy shorter working hours, governments are facing a challenge in convincing workers to embrace longer hours to combat a shrinking workforce. Measures proposed by German, Dutch, and British ministers aim to encourage part-timers to take on more hours and full-timers to work overtime.

The shift towards shorter working hours is driven by rising prosperity, allowing people to afford more leisure time. However, recent data shows a decline in working hours post-pandemic, with Eurozone employees working five hours less per quarter on average. In the UK, average weekly hours have also decreased, leading to concerns about labor shortages.

Experts suggest that the trend towards shorter hours reflects workers’ preferences for a better work-life balance, especially among young people and parents. Some economists believe that the experience of lockdowns has made people prioritize their health and well-being over long hours at work.

While policymakers fear that shorter hours could exacerbate labor shortages and hinder economic growth, some argue that greater well-being should be the goal. Spain’s minister of labor has proposed cutting the legal maximum working week, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.

In response to the changing labor landscape, governments are urged to support retraining, job-hunting, and childcare to help workers who desire longer hours. Ultimately, the goal is to increase the total number of hours worked across the economy while promoting flexible work arrangements.

As the workforce continues to evolve, the key for policymakers is to adapt to the changing preferences of workers and create a more balanced and productive work environment for all.