Changes in Working Hours in Germany

Abstract

How does `flexibilization' of working times affect the everyday life and social contacts of gainfully employed people? This article attempts to answer this question by reporting on a representative survey carried out from 1991-2 in West Germany. Persons with regular working times are compared with those who have shift and weekend work, tele-home-work and new working time models. This time budget study (based on a whole week and 24-hour periods, respectively) reports on the changing nature of daily and weekly rhythms and their importance for social contacts. Finally, the implications of this study for working time policies are examined.