The study, conducted by pollsters YouGov for dpa, found that 38 per cent of respondents would support the policy, while 20 per cent opposed it and 37 per cent are neutral.

The proposal, included in the new German government’s coalition agreement, would replace the existing daily cap of eight hours with a weekly limit, aiming to allow greater flexibility in scheduling working hours.

Under the proposed change, employees could work longer hours on fewer days – for example, four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.

Among supporters of the policy, 82 per cent said the model offers more flexibility, such as enabling longer weekends.

About 44 per cent also see benefits for employers no longer bound by the eight-hour daily cap.

Critics fear reduced productivity and worker fatigue.

Two-thirds of opponents say productivity would drop after eight hours and 61 per cent worry extended shifts would strain employees.

When asked to choose between working four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days for the same pay, 37 per cent preferred the four-day week, while 28 per cent stuck with the current traditional model.

More than half of the opponents argued that they cannot stay productive beyond eight hours and around 40 per cent expressed concerns over having less time for family and hobbies.(dpa/NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz