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Reduced Working Hours for Childcare: How It Works

Tap each step to see how requesting reduced working hours for childcare generally works.

  1. Understand the option

    In some countries, employees caring for a young child can request a temporary reduction in working hours instead of, or following, a full leave of absence, allowing them to keep working part-time while managing childcare.

  2. Check if you're eligible

    Eligibility usually depends on your child's age and how long you've worked at your company. Requirements vary considerably by country and employer, so check with your employer or national labor authority before applying.

  3. Apply through your employer

    Submit a request specifying your preferred reduced hours and the period you want them for. In many countries, employers generally cannot refuse without a legitimate business reason.

  4. Agree on a schedule

    Work out your new start and end times, or which days you'll work, together with your employer, since the practical arrangement can vary a lot by role.

  5. Check for an income support benefit

    Some countries partly offset the pay reduction through an employment or social insurance benefit paid alongside your reduced salary. Check whether this applies through your employer or the relevant government agency.

  6. Confirm payment timing

    If you qualify for a support benefit, check when and how it's paid, since timing and amounts can vary depending on the program and your situation.

This Is General Information, Not Legal Advice

Whether reduced working hours for childcare exists as a legal right, who qualifies, and what income support is available all vary substantially by country and employer. Confirm the specific rules that apply to you through your employer's HR department or your national labor authority.

How This Differs From Full Parental Leave

Full parental leave typically means stepping away from work entirely for a set period, with benefits replacing income during the absence. Reduced working hours is a different arrangement β€” you keep working, just fewer hours β€” and in some systems the two can be combined or used sequentially, so it's worth asking your employer or labor authority which combinations are actually available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine this with full parental leave?

In some systems yes β€” for example, using part of a leave entitlement as time off and the rest as reduced hours β€” but the exact combinations allowed depend on local rules, so check with your employer or labor authority.

Will my pay be cut in proportion to my reduced hours?

Generally your salary is adjusted in proportion to the hours you actually work, though a partial income support benefit may be available in some countries to soften that reduction.