How to Enhance Time Wealth? Insights from Changes in Time Use and Working Conditions During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany

Stefanie Gerold (), Johannes Buhl and Sonja M. Geiger
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Stefanie Gerold: Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg
Johannes Buhl: Data Analytics Dr. Johannes Buhl
Sonja M. Geiger: Murdoch University

Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, 2024, vol. 171, issue 1, No 16, 349-371

Abstract: Abstract This paper investigates the changes in time use, working conditions and subjective time wealth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Our analysis draws on panel data collected before and during the first lockdown among 786 employees. It employs a recently developed scale on time wealth which has been suggested as a comprehensive measure to capture the subjective experience of time. We provide separate analyses according to gender and essential occupation. First-difference regressions are applied to examine how changes in time use and changes in working conditions during the lockdown affected subjective time wealth. Our results show a general growth in time wealth during the lockdown which is, among other factors, driven by a decline in work hours and an increase in sleep duration. We also find positive effects on time wealth from decreased time pressure at work, more autonomy in organising one’s working day, and an improved reconciliation of work and private life. This study contributes to existing research by identifying key aspects how to improve time wealth among employees.

Keywords: COVID-19; Time wealth; Time use; Working conditions; Essential workers; First-difference regression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s11205-023-03252-0

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