2 WHAT IS THE STATUS OF PAID EMPLOYMENT TODAY? QUICK FACTS „ Paid employment is generally viewed positively: two­thirds of respondents are satisfied with their working conditions, 85 per cent are proud of their work. „ Mental strain and time pressure are high especially among sociocultural(semi-)experts and service workers. „ Security of employment and an adequate income are high priorities, closely followed by – also rated as very important – reconciliation of work and family life. „ 54 per cent of respondents would like a four-day week with no loss of pay; 23 per cent are against this. Only those occupational classes who have a positive view of their financial situation can contemplate ac­cepting lower pay. RUSHED AND PUSHED TO THE LIMIT – THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF THE WORKING CLASS We measured the value attached to work in respondents’ personal lives on the basis of three dimensions: the first dimension includes working conditions, in other words, working time, time pressure, mental and physical strain, as well as the possibilities for personal development. The sec­ond dimension concerns identification with work, for ex­ample, how much pride someone attributes to their work or the level of respect they feel. Thirdly, we looked at soci­oeconomic features of work, such as how important securi­ty of employment, flexible working time or a four-day week are to respondents. Most respondents enjoy good working conditions. Just under two-thirds say that they have regular working time. This is true in particular for production workers and tech­nical(semi-)experts. These groups also feel less harassed or under time pressure. Employees in management, socio­cultural(semi-)experts and service workers, by contrast, Working conditions Figure 6 Further statements about work and working conditions now follow. To what extent do the following statements about your employment apply to you personally? (%) It applies fully It mainly applies It partly applies It mainly doesn’t apply It doesn’t apply at all I have regular working hours. I can develop personally in my job. 29 My work often pushes me to the limits of physical endurance. 22 My work often pushes me to the limits of my mental capacity. 15 28 I often feel rushed or under time pressure at work. Values deviating from 100%: Don’t know, No answer, Rounding. Basis: German-speaking population aged 18 and over, employed and formerly employed. Source: FES Mapping the Working Class, authors’ presentation. 16 WORKING CLASS IN THE MIDDLE?  NOVEMBER  2024  FES diskurs