Arbeitszeitbetrug: 40 Stunden bezahlt werden, 20 arbeiten – So betrügen Arbeitnehmer ihre Chefs

A growing trend among employees is known as "Arbeitszeitbetrug," which translates to "work time fraud." This involves workers claiming to work longer hours than they actually do, often through subtle manipulation of their status on company communication platforms. One individual, Elias Cos, uses a simple trick involving an armband with a second-hand to simulate a continuously moving mouse cursor on his computer, giving the impression that he is actively working.

In reality, Cos only works between four and five hours a day, the rest of his time spent on personal activities such as washing clothes, cleaning, or exercising.

Experts warn that work time fraud can have serious consequences, not only for the company but also for other colleagues. Laura Venz, a work psychologist from Leuphana University Lüneburg, explains that every minute of unproductive work time is detrimental, as absenteeism is costly for businesses. Moreover, work time fraud can spread like a virus, potentially leading to colleagues avoiding work themselves to avoid being perceived as "dummies."

Several recent court cases highlight the legal implications of work time fraud. In 2022, a German labor court ruled in favor of an employer who dismissed an employee who clocked time for her smoke breaks. In 2023, another court dismissed a worker who claimed to have left work early for a coffee, after being offered proof of her actions.

In 2024, a judge upheld a company's decision to dismiss an employee's business council representative for attending only the first day of a three-day training course, despite claiming full attendance on his work records.

While some employees may not be fully aware of the deception, those who knowingly engage in work time fraud often feel guilty and seek explanation. Many respondents to a LinkedIn survey published by the Handelsblatt newspaper admitted to violating their contracts by working fewer hours than stipulated in their employment agreements. They shared their reluctance to work longer hours, citing the monotony of their tasks and the lack of support from their superiors.

A recent survey conducted by Consumerfieldwork for the market research provider Timo reveals that 13% of employees do not accurately record their work hours, with nearly three-quarters admitting to engaging in personal activities during work time. These findings underscore the prevalence and potential economic impact of work time fraud in the workplace.