Overview
- An unpublished IW survey of more than 5,000 workers in mid‑2025 finds 77% would increase working time if additional hours were financially worthwhile.
- About 72% cite reduced taxes and social contributions on extra hours as a key condition for taking on more work.
- Willingness is highest among under‑30s at 86% and lower among those 55 and older at 69%, with only minor differences by gender, industry or qualification.
- For full‑time staff and part‑timers working more than 20 hours per week, greater scheduling flexibility is another prerequisite.
- The employer‑linked IW findings contrast with a recent representative Xing poll reporting most respondents do not want to work more, underscoring a contested evidence base as policymakers weigh working‑time and incentive reforms.