Employment subject to social security contributions rose to a record high last year. However, more than half of women work part-time, compared to only one in seven men.

Employment: Growth as a result of more women in the workforce

From 2024 to 2025, the number of women in employment subject to social insurance contributions reached another new high. As of June 30, 2025, 16.2 million women were employed and subject to social insurance contributions, almost 50,000 more than in 2024. Overall, the proportion of women in employment subject to social insurance contributions rose to 46.5 percent.

Working hours: Men and women are working more part-time

The increase in female employment is attributable exclusively to part-time work, which rose by around 110,000 compared to the previous year. During the same period, the number of women in full-time employment fell by 60,000.

In June 2025, the proportion of women working part-time had therefore risen slightly to 50.8 percent. The proportion of men working part-time also grew, reaching 14.0 percent in 2025.

Daniel Terzenbach, Member of the Executive Board of the Federal Employment Agency, emphasizes: "In addition to immigration, the increase in employment last year is largely attributable to women. At the same time, the proportion of part-time workers remains very high. This shows that we need to further improve general conditions: through reliable childcare, flexible working time models, a partnership-based division of work and family life, and better career opportunities, so that women can extend their working hours in a self-determined and equal manner."

The Federal Employment Agency supports companies and women with targeted advice. Further information can be found on our website Gleiche Chancen für Frauen und Männer am Arbeitsmarkt (available in German).