Modern working time models: Overview and examples

In 2024, employees want a flexible workplace that offers more freedom. It's worthwhile for companies to take these needs seriously and offer more than just the traditional full-time and part-time models. 

Modern working time models are crucial for the compatibility of work and private life and have a variety of advantages for both companies and employees, adapted to the needs of the modern working world.

Here you can learn more about different working time models, examples of successful concepts, and tools for how these models can be smoothly integrated into everyday work.

Why are there different working time models?

Quite simply: every person has different needs and living circumstances. In today's world, it is therefore particularly important not only to offer traditional working time models such as full-time and part-time , but also to create flexible solutions .

Different working time models allow team members to better adapt their work to their lives. When work and private life can be better balanced, everyday stress is reduced.  Furthermore, modern working time models promote motivation and productivitybecause employees work in an environment that takes their individual needs into account. 

However, the freedom to organize their working hours as best suits them has advantages not only for the employees. Companies also benefit from modern working time models because when your teams feel that their needs are taken seriously, this leads to greater satisfaction and thus a stronger bond with the employer and lower fluctuation.

No matter which working time model you use, it is important that your company has a reliable working time account that documents overtime and negative hours so that they can be balanced out over a longer period of time. 

What working time models are available? 

Nowadays, many companies have recognized the benefits of offering different working time models. But not every model can be implemented in every industry. The following overview of modern working time models gives you an idea of which options might be suitable for your company:

Overview of working time models

Full-time work

Full-time work is the classic and most common working time model, in which employees usually work five days a week. This model offers financial stability and a clear structure in everyday life. Unlike some other working time models, full-time employees also have access to comprehensive social benefits and other company advantages such as paid vacation.

A relatively new working time model is the so-called Job Sharing, which is still in its infancy in Germany. Two employees share a full-time position, which is particularly interesting for parents or people with other time-consuming commitments.

shift work

Shift work is common practice in many industries. The work is divided into different time periods. These day, night, and weekend shifts make it possible to cover the service around the clock, for example in healthcare or production. 

A major advantage of shift work is the ability to choose shifts that better suit employees' lifestyles. For example, they can spend time with their family during the day and work at night. In addition, shift work is often associated with financial incentives, such as higher hourly wages for night and weekend shifts.

However, there are also working time models that are similar to shift work but follow a different concept, such as on-call duty. Employees do not necessarily have to work on weekends or at night, for example, but they do have to be available on call – a classic example of this is the locksmith service.

Mini-jobs

A mini-job is a minor employment in which employees can earn up to 538 euros per month without paying social security contributions. The working hours are a maximum of 43 hours per month, i.e. a good 10 hours per week. This makes this working time model ideal for students, retirees, or people looking for additional income without having to work a full week. 

Midi jobs

The Midijob is a modern working time model that lies between a mini-job and a full-time position. The income limit for a midi-job is currently 2,000 euros per month – a balanced combination of financial security and greater flexibility. For people who want to earn more than in a mini-job, but don't necessarily want to take on the commitments of a full-time job, a midi-job could be just the right solution.

Flexible working models 

In today's working world, boundaries and traditions are increasingly being broken down. The need of employees for more flexibility and self-determination has led to a variety of new working time models: 

Part-time

Of course, part-time work is not an innovative working time model – but the motivation of part-time workers has changed in recent years. More and more people are looking for a better work-life balance, which undoubtedly involves fewer working hours. If your employees work less than 37 hours a week, this is already part-time work.

Many companies now use the flexitime model for full-time and part-time positions, in which employees can organize their working hours flexibly within a certain framework. 

Teleworking

Teleworking, also known as home office , allows your team to work from home or another location outside the office. With this model, employees benefit from enormous flexibility as they can design their own work environment. 

This working time model also reduces long commuting times and guarantees an optimal work-life balance. In times of digitalization and the use of modern communication technologies, teleworking has become an increasingly popular option.

The work does not necessarily have to be done 100% remotely. Because hybrid working models, in which employees are partly in the office but also have the option to work from home, are becoming increasingly popular. 

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In a flexible working environment, the physical workplace also plays a crucial role. To ensure that hybrid working time models function smoothly, it is worthwhile to work with a desk sharing tool in the company.

Flexopus supports you in using your office space efficiently and flexibly. With Flexopus, your employees can book their workstations as needed, which is particularly advantageous in combination with flexible working time models. With Flexopus, you always have an overview of which team members are currently in the office and what workload is planned for the next few days. 

This is how desk sharing platforms optimize office utilization while simultaneously promoting teamwork and communication, thereby contributing to an improved work-life balance.

Team-oriented working hours

Team-oriented working time means that your team plans working hours together to complete projects efficiently. This modern working time model prioritizes collaboration among your employees, as working hours can be adapted to the needs of the current project and the availability of team members. 

Other flexible working time models

However, there are also other flexible working models, such as the annual working time. The working hours are not set per week, but per year. This is particularly useful for seasonal jobs where there is a lot to do in the summer and hardly any hours in the winter.

Especially in small teams, more and more employers are relying on trust-based working hours, where fixed working hours are waived – trusting that employees will complete their tasks on time and independently. Desk sharing platforms such as Flexopus are also suitable for getting a better overview of space utilization in the office.

Summary

It is undisputed that modern working time models have numerous advantages – both for companies and their employees. This allows you to better respond to the needs of your employees and build satisfied, committed teams. This not only leads to higher productivity, but also to fewer sick days and lower staff turnover.

Offering different working time models is a win-win situation because they guarantee the flexibility your employees need to give their best. And to create a productive and clear working environment even with modern working time models, desk sharing solutions such as Flexopuscan help.