Working time models

The term “working time models” refers to an agreement between the employer and the employee that regulates the daily, weekly or annual working hours. These are set out accordingly in employment or collective agreements.

The benefits of working time models

First and foremost, the models serve to fix the specific working hours of employees. This enables simple planning on the part of the employer. However, the regulation is also important for employees, as they know exactly what performance is expected of them.

This fixed regulation therefore gives both sides security.

At a glance: What working time models are there?

The best-known models are probably full-time and part-time. However, there are now many other flexible models, which we will now introduce.

Full-time

Full-time means that employees usually work 5 days a week. They usually spend 7 or 8 hours a day at work (i.e. 35 to 40 hours a week).

Part-time

In this model, colleagues work fewer hours per week than full-time. It can happen that either fewer days or fewer hours (or both at the same time) are worked.

Flexitime

Flexitime means that the employer sets a daily core working time. Employees must be present or work during this fixed time. This period can be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for example. Outside of this period, colleagues can decide for themselves when they come and go.

It is also possible for plus and minus hours to be posted to the flexitime account. These must be balanced out again.

Shift work

As the name suggests, employees work in shifts here. These are divided into early and late shifts, for example. The early shift can run from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the late shift from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., for example. If there is also a night shift, this working time model involves three shifts.

Job sharing

In job sharing, 2 employees share a full-time position. The split can be 50/50 or otherwise. This is decided on an individual basis.

Teleworking & home office

Fixed working hours may also be specified if employees work from home or somewhere else. However, it is often the case with these models that colleagues are free to organize their working hours as they wish. Teleworking is also a common model.