Versorgungsrelevante Arbeitszeiten? Arbeitszeitmuster bei Beschäftigten in kritischen Infrastrukturen

Abstract

Essential working hours? Working time patterns among employees in critical infrastructures Objectives: Particular attention was given to employees in critical infrastructures or essential occupations at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. These occupations are of particular importance in maintaining supplies and public order. Many employees in essential occupations were already faced with heavy demands on their time before the pandemic. The aim of this article is to identify the working time profiles of these employees. Methods: The working time conditions of employees in essential occupations before the pandemic are analysed on the basis of the BAuA Working Time Survey 2019. In order to identify the occupational groups, reference is made to an established categorisation of essential occupations (cf. Koebe et al. 2020). The two groups are then contrasted in terms of differences in the organisation of working time. Results: There is greater heterogeneity in the length of working hours in essential occupations. This group is characterised in particular by shortened rest periods and working time schedules. Atypical working hours (e.g. shift work and night work) and work at weekends (especially on Sundays and public holidays) are more likely to indicate that occupations are essential. In addition, there is a significantly higher incidence of on-call duties. At the same time, employees in essential occupations have less working time autonomy and work less often from home. Conclusions: Overall, a more negative stress profile in terms of working hours emerges for employees in essential occupations compared to nonessential ones, as the services provided must be available 24/7. In order to increase resilience for future times of crisis and to ensure the health, performance and safety of employees in essential occupations, working time conditions should be improved. This could also counteract the low attractiveness of these occupations in the long term, especially against the background of the shortage of skilled workers (cf. KOFA 2020). Keywords: essential occupations – working time – working time duration, schedule and flexibility