The leisure letter, 16
1 March 1982
Representative survey by the BAT Leisure Research Institute: Younger generation values leisure time more highly than earning money
One in three Germans would be satisfied with a slightly lower income if it meant having more leisure time. This is the result of a recent representative survey of 2,000 people across Germany conducted by the BAT Leisure Research Institute.
This result primarily reflects the leisure-oriented lifestyle of the younger generation. Around half of those surveyed in the 16-to-24 age group desire more leisure time. Of those aged 40 to 59, only about 33%, and of those over 60, only 25%, are willing to exchange more free time for a reduction in salary.
The answers to the question, "Would you accept earning slightly less if it meant having more free time?" not only reveal remarkable differences between generations, but also vary considerably depending on the size of the place of residence and the level of education. Residents of rural areas and large cities are more interested in leisure activities than citizens of small and medium-sized towns.
The willingness to reduce working hours without a corresponding increase in pay rises with the level of education. For example, 31% of respondents with primary school education and 41% of those with secondary school leaving certificates opted for more leisure time. In contrast, 58% of respondents with a university entrance qualification or higher education degree would be happy to accept a reduction in income in exchange for more leisure time.
The BAT Leisure Research Institute predicts a growing interest among German citizens in more leisure time. The institute's scientific director, Prof. Dr. HW Opaschowski, states: "More and more people are developing a life orientation focused on more leisure time.".
Over a third of Germans would prefer to earn slightly less and have more leisure time. The desire for more free time is strongest among younger generations. Around half of 16- to 24-year-olds are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for more free time. However, this attitude changes with age: in the 40-to-59 age group, only one in three, and among those over 60, only one in four, desire more free time if it means accepting a lower income.
This result primarily reflects the leisure-oriented lifestyle of the younger generation. Around half of those surveyed in the 16-to-24 age group desire more leisure time. Of those aged 40 to 59, only about 33%, and of those over 60, only 25%, are willing to exchange more free time for a reduction in salary.
The answers to the question, "Would you accept earning slightly less if it meant having more free time?" not only reveal remarkable differences between generations, but also vary considerably depending on the size of the place of residence and the level of education. Residents of rural areas and large cities are more interested in leisure activities than citizens of small and medium-sized towns.
The willingness to reduce working hours without a corresponding increase in pay rises with the level of education. For example, 31% of respondents with primary school education and 41% of those with secondary school leaving certificates opted for more leisure time. In contrast, 58% of respondents with a university entrance qualification or higher education degree would be happy to accept a reduction in income in exchange for more leisure time.
The BAT Leisure Research Institute predicts a growing interest among German citizens in more leisure time. The institute's scientific director, Prof. Dr. HW Opaschowski, states: "More and more people are developing a life orientation focused on more leisure time.".
Over a third of Germans would prefer to earn slightly less and have more leisure time. The desire for more free time is strongest among younger generations. Around half of 16- to 24-year-olds are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for more free time. However, this attitude changes with age: in the 40-to-59 age group, only one in three, and among those over 60, only one in four, desire more free time if it means accepting a lower income.
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