In the Czech Republic, part-time employment remains rare - less than 10% of workers choose a shortened schedule, while the average across the EU reaches nearly 20%. Almost half of employers report a lack of interest from employees. This is evidenced by the results of a survey by RSM, reports 420on.cz.
The RSM survey covered 268 companies and identified key barriers. 49% of employers assert that employees simply do not show interest in part-time jobs, while 20% attribute this to insufficient benefits for the budget.
Experts predict that expanding flexible options could accelerate the return of parents after parental leave or help seniors continue their careers, but the market is moving slowly.
Where part-time work is common in the Czech Republic
Part-time employment is most often applied in certain sectors where flexibility is already the norm. Here are areas where it is actively used:
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IT sector;
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Public service;
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Pharmaceuticals;
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Healthcare.
At the same time, companies in the service, construction, and financial sectors most often refuse such offers. 21% of employers are concerned about difficulties in organizing processes, but in the long run, they see part-time work as a tool for savings - especially in 2025, when inflation will decline and mass salary increases are not planned.
«The survey results, according to which there is virtually no interest in reduced forms of work, including due to their low economic attractiveness, were unexpected for us,» said managing partner of RSM Monika Marechkova.
Who prefers to work part-time in the Czech Republic
The share of part-time employment in the Czech Republic has remained stable for years, despite government initiatives. Employees choose it mainly for personal reasons: medical needs, caring for children or relatives, or combining it with studies. Two-thirds of such employees are women aged 30-39, when family takes priority.
"Czech women with children under four years old work significantly less often than women in Western Europe. At the same time, surveys show that they are interested in at least partially returning to the labor market," emphasized Kristina Cejnarova from the MUMDOO initiative.
Previously, we reported that Ukrainian refugees brought 15 billion crowns to the Czech Republic.