Part-time employment; application by civil servants of the Free State of Bavaria

Civil servants of the Free State of Bavaria can apply for a reduction in working hours.

Reconciling family and career is becoming increasingly important due to changing social structures with regard to the care and upbringing of children. Due to demographic developments, however, caring for elderly relatives will also become increasingly important in the future. It is also in the interests of the employer to support civil servants in their respective situations.

Bavarian civil service law offers a wide range of options for flexible working hours.

Upon request, civil servants can reduce their working hours by up to half of their regular working hours and for the duration requested, provided this does not conflict with official interests. This so-called "unconditional part-time application" enables part-time employment without special factual or personal reasons.

The duration of this part-time employment depends on the civil servant's application; there is no upper time limit for the use of part-time employment on application. After the approved part-time employment has expired, part-time employment can be applied for again. Civil servants who work part-time retain their full entitlement to benefits.

Part-time employment under family policy can be claimed if the civil servant is caring for at least one child under the age of 18 or a relative in need of care (Art. 89 BayBG). In contrast to the unconditional part-time application, there is an entitlement to approval of part-time employment. If the requirements are met, the employer can only reject the application if there are compelling official interests to the contrary.

The so-called "family days" also give civil servants the opportunity to take 10 days off in addition to the vacation and, if applicable, flexitime days to which they are entitled by changing their working time status, i.e. going part-time. This enables civil servants to react quickly and flexibly to changes in their family environment.

Further information on the requirements, options and legal consequences of part-time work can be found in the brochure "Part-time employment, leave of absence and partial retirement for civil servants of the Free State of Bavaria".