This article investigates the impact of working time reduction on life satisfaction in Germany using data from the European Social Survey (ESS). An ordered probit model reveals a significantly negative correlation between working time and life satisfaction, indicating that shorter working weeks improve life satisfaction. Health acts as a mediating variable in the worktime-health-life satisfaction nexus, accounting for approximately 28% of the satisfaction variance. High-earners prefer longer hours, while low-earners prefer shorter hours; middle-earners show no preference. Cross-partner effects are also observed. Policy implications suggest limiting working hours and implementing strict overtime compensation regulations, while considering gender differences.

Qinglong Shao