EN
The object of the study are the major tendencies observed on the job markets of highly developed countries. Apart from a few exceptions most of them have a high unemployment rate. The growing costs accompanying employment are an obstacle to raising the level of employment. In many countries those costs are already nearly equivalent to the wages. On the other hand, the progressing process of diffusion of new information transmission technologies has led to a noticeable shift from work contracts to various untypical forms of employment. A high level of efficiency achieved by the OECD countries makes it possible to ensure an appropriate standard of living with a decreasing level of employment. Thus, at the beginning of the 21st century shortening of work time has become a rule. This is done by various methods, the most popular one being part-time employment. It must be remembered, however, that limitation of work time is not always seen as justified by the person to whom it pertains.