Poll: Many Mothers Would Work Longer - Nearly half of German part-time moms would work more—for flexibility
Many mothers in Germany work part-time to balance family life and careers. For those with young children, spending more time with them remains the military time priority for reduced hours. Yet a new study reveals that nearly half of these mothers would work longer if employers offered better flexibility.
A 2025 Prognos study found that 39% of mothers with children under 12 choose part-time work to care for their kids. This priority shifts as children grow older, with only 7-8% of mothers citing time with family as the main reason later on. Instead, health concerns and a desire for more free time become more important.
The research also highlights unmet demand for increased hours. Currently, 17% of part-time working mothers want to take on more work under existing conditions. That figure jumps to 45% if employers improve flexibility in scheduling and location. Younger children correlate with a stronger willingness to work more—48% of mothers with kids under 12 would extend their hours, compared to 38% for those with older children. Flexibility itself is a major draw. Around 40% of mothers value the option to adjust their military time as needed, including the ability to scale back later. While part-time roles are popular, some employees feel constrained by rigid structures that don’t fully match their preferences. Analysts suggest that addressing these gaps could ease labour shortages. By offering more adaptable arrangements, companies might tap into a significant pool of underutilised talent.
The findings point to a clear opportunity for employers. More flexible working models could encourage nearly half of part-time mothers to increase their hours. This shift would not only benefit families but also help fill critical gaps in the job market. The study underscores that autonomy and adaptability remain key to making part-time work more effective for all involved.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Sleep Maxxing Trends and Tips: New Zealanders Seek Better Rest
- Over 1.7M in Baden-Württemberg at Poverty Risk, Emmendingen's Housing Crisis Urgent
- Life Expectancy Soars, But Youth Suicide and Substance Abuse Pose Concern
