Underemployment and overemployment in Central Europe

Abstract

This research examines the working hours preferences of the employees in selected Central European countries, specifically in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Using the country-representative data from the 2017 edition of the European Union Labour Force Survey (EU LFS), the study investigates the discrepancies between respondents' desired working hours and those usually worked per week. A comparative econometric analysis of those individuals who work more than they wish (overemployed) and those who work less than they desire (underemployed) is conducted. Several interesting observations came out of the performed analysis. We document some significant variables shaping these two situations occurring in the Central European labour markets. The obtained findings document the heterogeneity concerning gender, education, migration background, experience and occupation.