Economics & Finance / Macroeconomics / Unemployment & Labor Markets

Shorter Work Hours: The Secret to Getting More Women into the Workforce?

Think shorter work hours are just about sharing jobs? Think again. This video dives into a groundbreaking study from Germany that flips the script: shorter work hours, especially the rise of part-time work, actually boosted married women's participation in the labor force. Using data from West Germany spanning 1957 to 1998, we uncover the long-term link between reduced hours and female employment. We break down the three key mechanisms—productivity gains, more time for caregiving, and income effects—that make this possible. If you're curious about how policy can unlock hidden potential and reshape economies, this is a must-watch. Discover why shorter hours might be the tool we've been overlooking.