Arbeitszeit: Arbeitszeitbetrug: So können sich Unternehmen wehren

Lying about working hours is a widespread issue in Germany, affecting many employees. In a survey by Consumerfieldwork, 13 percent of 1,000 German workers admitted to not accurately reporting their working hours. Three-quarters of the participants confessed to doing something private during their working time when they were actually supposed to be working.

While working time fraud is not a trivial matter, it has significant economic implications, according to Sascha Stowasser, who leads the Institute for Applied Labor Science (IFAA). Failing to disclose breaks or spending time on personal activities while supposedly at work constitutes a breach of duty, even for short breaks. Sarah Fuhlrott, a certified labor attorney, explains that vitiating the duty through deception is the key element of working time fraud.

Severe consequences, such as instant dismissal and costs for a private investigator, can follow in extreme cases. Courts may follow a clear line in such cases, but also consider the intensity and duration of the fraud. In most cases, a three-month ban on unemployment benefits may be the worst consequence for the employee. To prevent working time fraud, companies should closely monitor their employees' online activities during remote work, but not through intrusive measures like using private investigators or cameras.

Clear goals and leadership are crucial to prevent employees from finding space to engage in such fraudulent activities.