Kurzarbeit

Kurzarbeit is a German government-supported program that temporarily reduces employees' working hours during economic downturns or crises. Employers can cut employees' hours instead of laying them off, and the government compensates a portion of the lost wages. This helps maintain job stability and preserves workforce skills during challenging times, preventing widespread unemployment. Employers still pay some wages, but reduced hours are financially supported, making it a flexible tool for managing economic shocks while preserving employment relationships.