Consequences of rising prices – desire for more free time – for part-time jobs

A representative survey by TQS Research & Consulting shows that some want to increase their salary. Only 28 percent trust the federal government is taking the right steps to deal with the crisis.

63 percent of the respondents want to be able to work part-time in addition to their main job. “This is a marked change from previous studies, where many just wanted to maximize leisure time,” the research report said. The study authors Dieter Scharitzer and Angelika Sonnek attribute this change to the multiple crises and recent high price increases. Because free time is also becoming more and more expensive for employees.

Inflation is a problem
More than half (62 percent) feel strongly affected by the high inflation. Inflation has left 54 ​​percent less money available than before the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the other crises.

Take a more optimistic view of the labor market
Compared to previous surveys, the prospects on the labor market are again better estimated. Only 17 percent see a risk of losing their job in the next six months. A third are actively looking for a new job or are at least open to change in the coming year.

Home office factor
For jobs where a home office is possible, 68 percent of those surveyed are currently using it for one or two days and find it appropriate. Even if this arrangement is suitable for many, some employees would generally like to have more time in the home office. 18 percent do not want to return to the workplace at all and prefer to work remotely. Almost half think that working from home has improved their personal quality of life and therefore also their private life.

Free time important, events less
In addition to flexible working hours with the option of working from home, extra days off (71 percent) and extra financial options (65 percent) are becoming increasingly important. The vast majority (87 percent) also find the 4-day working week attractive. The respondents rated employee events (45 percent) or the organization of services (41 percent) as less relevant.

The survey was conducted between August 24 and September 2 among 1000 people and is representative of internet-savvy people in Austria between the ages of 18 and 65.