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Are working hour preferences satisfied?

Author

Listed:
  • Bonke, Jens

    (Rockwool Foundation Research Unit, Copenhagen)

  • Schultz-Nielsen, Marie Louise

    (Rockwool Foundation Research Unit, Copenhagen)

Abstract

Several European studies show that there are more people in employment who wished that they worked fewer hours than there are people who wished that they worked more hours. The question addressed here is whether imbalanced working hours – working hour tension – influences changes in hours worked: do preferences become reality? On the basis of a Danish longitudinal time-use study, we find that more Danes prefer shorter working hours than longer working hours, which is in contrast to US employees. Moreover, not only do the vast majority of over-employed Danes adjust their working hours, those who are under-employed also do so within a decade. Factors behind these changes are analyzed and means of ensuring an optimization of time- and money-related wellbeing are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonke, Jens & Schultz-Nielsen, Marie Louise, 2014. "Are working hour preferences satisfied?," Nationaløkonomisk tidsskrift, Nationaløkonomisk Forening, vol. 2014(1), pages 1-25.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:jdaecn:0031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. René Böheim & Mark P. Taylor, 2004. "Actual and Preferred Working Hours," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(1), pages 149-166, March.
    2. Steffen Otterbach, 2010. "Mismatches Between Actual and Preferred Work Time: Empirical Evidence of Hours Constraints in 21 Countries," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 143-161, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Labor supply; working hours;

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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