The IW study shows that Germany's public sector possesses surprisingly large reserves of working time due to high rates of part-time employment. | Theoretically, up to 634,000 full-time equivalents could be created from existing part-time positions – almost exactly the 631,000 vacancies lamented by the dbb (German Civil Service Federation). | According to the study, particularly large reserves exist in schools, daycare centers, and local government administrations – precisely where the shortage is publicly criticized. | | However, the figures are methodologically different: dbb reports measure demand, while the IW focuses on the purely theoretical utilization of working time. | A complete shift to full-time employment would be unrealistic and would impact realities such as childcare, elder care, and healthcare. | A moderate scenario, similar to that implemented in Saxony-Anhalt, could nevertheless yield around 294,000 full-time equivalents and would be more politically viable. | Instead of poaching staff from the private sector, the IW advocates for better utilization of working time and streamlined legislation to reduce workloads. | | Reducing bureaucracy and digitalization are considered key to using personnel more efficiently without weakening the overall economy. | Practical policy recommendations include incentives for voluntary increases in working hours, expansion of childcare services, and sector-specific audits. | | The study calls for an honest debate: less reflexive hiring, more critical review of tasks, and structural reforms as a sustainable solution. [...]
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