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Exploring the promoting effect of working time reduction on life satisfaction using Germany as a case study
1Institute of Chinese Studies, Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstr. 23-25, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
Reducing work hours improves life satisfaction in Germany. Shorter workweeks benefit individuals and partners, with health playing a key mediating role. Policy should consider these factors and enforce overtime regulations.
Area of Science:
- Socioeconomics
- Health Psychology
- Labor Economics
Background:
- The impact of reduced working hours on life satisfaction remains under-researched.
- Existing studies often overlook mediating factors like health and interpersonal dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effect of working time reduction on life satisfaction in Germany.
- To investigate the mediating role of health and the cross-partner effects of working hours.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ordered probit model for statistical analysis.
- Employed data from the European Social Survey for a German cohort.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between working time and life satisfaction.
- Health acts as a crucial mediator, explaining approximately 28% of the satisfaction variance.
- Income level influences work hour preferences; high-earners prefer longer hours, low-earners shorter.
- Cross-partner effects identified: men's shorter hours satisfy partners, women's longer hours satisfy partners.
Conclusions:
- Shorter working weeks enhance life satisfaction in Germany.
- Health is a key factor linking work hours and well-being.
- Policy interventions should restrict excessive working hours and consider gender-specific impacts on satisfaction.
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