German Cabinet Approves Bill for Temporary Part-Time Work

The German federal cabinet has approved a legislative bill that will introduce a right for employees to take temporary part-time employment. This initiative seeks to enhance flexibility in the workplace and accommodate employees' evolving needs for varied work arrangements. The law is slated to take effect from January 1, 2019.

The proposed law expands upon current legislation governing part-time and fixed-term employment. Previously, employees had a right to permanently reduce their working hours. The new bill allows for a temporary reduction in working hours for a predetermined period, ranging from one to five years. This 'bridge time' or "Brückenzeit" aims to allow employees to pursue other activities, such as further education or personal projects, during specific phases of their careers.

To be eligible, employees must have been employed by the company for at least six months and must submit their request for temporary part-time work three months in advance. The right generally applies to companies with 45 or more employees, though there are provisions for smaller businesses. The bill also clarifies employers' obligation to discuss desired changes in working hours with their employees.

While employees are expected to welcome the increased flexibility, employer associations have voiced concerns about potential administrative burdens and increased coordination requirements, particularly for medium-sized enterprises.