Evaluation of the Act on the Further Development of Part-Time Work Law

In order to achieve the important labor, equality and family policy objective of the German government that dependent employees should be able to work part-time on a voluntary basis, but should not have to remain in part-time work on an involuntary basis, the "Act on the Further Development of Part-Time Work Law " came into force on January 1, 2019. It includes new provisions on the Act on part-time and temporary work (TzBfG) that are intended to address the working time preferences of employees. In addition to the existing option of part-time work that is not limited in duration, a general entitlement to part-time work for a limited period („Brückenteilzeit“) was created. The amendment also reformed the rules regarding on-call work, the obligation to discuss and the burden of proof in the context of an increase in working hours.

The research project will examine whether and to what extent the intended effects on the realization of employees' working time preferences as well as the planning and income security of employees who work on-call have been achieved by the new regulations of 2019. In particular, the question of the acceptance and feasibility of the regulations will be addressed.

The research project is based on a qualitative research design. Guideline-based interviews will be conducted with representatives of trade unions and leading business and public service associations, as well as with company representatives and works council members, in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of the implementation after the reform.