Part-time work: Working fewer hours for a while – you can agree on that
Created: 11/11/2022, 3:30 p.m
By: Carina Blumenroth
Working part-time is a widespread working model – in Germany women in particular work part-time – childcare is often the reason for this.
Four-day week, full-time, part-time - there are many working models and terms that are sometimes more or less prominent, such as work-life balance or new work.
Many people like flexibility in their own everyday life and, as a result, also in their professional life.
For some, the part-time work model can make sense.
This model can also be limited to a certain period of time.
From full-time to part-time: In principle, a reduction in working hours is possible
Would you like to reduce your full-time work to a part-time position for a few years?
This is possible in principle, but this must be clarified in writing.
©Eric Audras/Imago
Reducing the full-time position so that you "only" work part-time - this is basically feasible, but depends on a few factors, some of which are enshrined in law.
For example, you can request that your hours be reduced if you have been under contract with the company for at least six months.
In order for you to be able to do this, you need to follow these steps:
The application must be received in writing by your employer at least three months before the planned start.
You should also state the distribution of your working hours.
The employer must agree to the employee's request unless there are operational reasons to the contrary.
Operational reasons exist "if the reduction in working hours significantly impairs the organisation, the workflow or safety in the company or causes disproportionate costs", as stipulated in the Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act (TzBfG).
Reasons for a refusal can also be listed in the collective agreement.
The employer must reply in writing no later than one month before the planned reduction.
After approval or rejection, an employee can only apply for a renewed reduction in working hours after two years.
If you do not receive an answer or if you cannot agree with your employer one month in advance, the time will be automatically reduced as you have indicated.
For the reduction: The employer should employ more than 15 employees so that the reduction can be enforced in this way.
Source: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tzbfg/BJNR196610000.html
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Put in a part-time year - that's possible subject to certain requirements
Have you been working in your company for more than six months and you want to work less temporarily?
Under certain conditions, you can work part-time for up to five years.
However, your company usually has more than 45 employees.
If you consider this regulation, then you have the right to be able to return to your full-time position after the reduction has expired.
This is not the case with all models, as
ZDFinfo
reports.
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Part-time on time: Can my employer disadvantage me if I use the model?
If you want to make use of parts of the law on part-time work and fixed-term contracts, you must not be disadvantaged by your employer.
Simply making use of these options does not, for example, justify termination.
If you are considering reducing your working hours, it is best to get support and advice in advance.
You could do this, for example, with your works council or a lawyer specializing in employment law.
If you have difficulties in returning to your usual number of hours after the reduction in working hours, professional advice is also appropriate.
