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Approximately 75% of German businesses monitor the work hours of their staff.

Major findings from the Bitkom survey

In Germany, it's mandatory to document working hours according to the Federal Labor Court ruling.
In Germany, it's mandatory to document working hours according to the Federal Labor Court ruling.

Tracks on the Clock: 3 out of 4 German Companies Monitor Employees' Work Hours

Approximately 75% of German businesses monitor the work hours of their staff.

Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Three out of four German corporations now monitor their staff's working hours, according to a survey by Bitkom, a digital association.

In a surprising leap from 2022, when only 30% of these corporations were tracking working hours, 74% are already doing so, according to Bitkom's report. More than 600 companies with at least 20 employees participated in the survey.

Twenty-one percent of those surveyed stated intentions to implement a time tracking system this year, while two percent have chosen to wait for further legal clarification.

Bitkom's President, Ralf Wintergerst, condemned the outdated work culture model that mirrors the industrial workplaces of the 20th century, arguing that it's impractical and needs an overhaul. The coalition government, composed of Union and SPD, is urged to uphold trust-based working hours and move from a daily to a weekly maximum working time, as announced.

A staggering 82% of companies surveyed advocate for such a weekly working time cap, while 49% demand more flexibility in the mandatory 11-hour rest period between workdays. Conversely, 65% believe that the tracking requirement undermines the flexibility of trust-based working hours. 55% have expressed difficulties in implementing precise tracking practices.

The most popular method for tracking hours, according to 31% of companies, is electronic systems located on the computer. Alternative methods include smartphone apps, stationary tracking systems, or traditional punch clocks. Thirteen percent still resort to manual timesheets.

Sources: ntv.de, RTS

Insights:

Bitkom, an influential voice in Germany's digital policies and tech industry, has been actively partaking in discussions related to the new Digital Ministry and its impact on businesses [4]. In general, German companies are known for their emphasis on work-life balance and flexible work arrangements, which may have influenced their approach to employee time tracking [5]. For more specific information, it is recommended to consult Bitkom's official publications or statements directly.

  1. Bitkom, in a surprise shift, has advocated for a move away from outdated work culture models, promoting a weekly maximum working time and more flexibility in the mandatory rest periods.
  2. In line with this advocacy, a significant number (82%) of companies surveyed by Bitkom support a weekly working time cap and more flexibility during rest periods.
  3. To facilitate accurate time tracking, many companies (31%) turn to electronic systems on computers, with alternatives including smartphone apps, stationary tracking systems, or traditional punch clocks.

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